Criminalize (verb)

To make something illegal or a criminal offense.

Origin:

From latin criminalis "pertaining to crime".

Examples:

1. The government criminalized the possession of drugs.
2. Many people protested against the decision to criminalize marijuana.
3. The act of cyberstalking was criminalized to protect victims.
4. He was against the idea of criminalizing homelessness.
5. The state criminalized the act of driving under the influence.