The word "de-criminalizes" refers to the act of removing criminal penalties or legal restrictions from an action or behavior. Its antonyms include "criminalizes," "prohibits," "outlaws," "forbids," and "penalizes." When society or a governing authority criminalizes a particular action, it becomes a punishable offense, and the person engaging in such behavior risks arrest, prosecution, and conviction. In contrast, de-criminalizing the same action would mean that it ceases to be a crime, and the person can engage in it without fear of legal repercussions. Thus, the choice to de-criminalize or criminalize an action depends on various factors, such as social norms, public opinion, and government policy.