What does "criminalization" mean?

The act of making a previously legal activity illegal, the act of making something a criminal offence.

How do you pronounce "criminalization"?

Pronounced //ˌkɹɪmɪnəlaɪzˈeɪʃən//.

Common synonyms include: criminal policy, criminalisation, illegalization, outlawing, penalization, prohibition.

/ˌkɹɪmɪnəlaɪzˈeɪʃən/ noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
The act of making a previously legal activity illegal, the act of making something a criminal offence. countable, uncountable
"And of course, s/m players who participate in breath play will also be more vulnerable to criminalization under such a new law."
2
legislation that makes something illegal wordnet
3
The act of turning someone into a criminal by making their activities illegal. countable, uncountable

"And of course, s/m players who participate in breath play will also be more vulnerable to criminalization under such a new law."

From criminal + -ization or criminalize + -ation.