decriminalize vs permit

decriminalize is not a noun while permit is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
decriminalize	No	No	Yes	No
permit	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, permit is a hypernym of decriminalize; that is, permit is a word with a broader meaning than decriminalize:

Other hypernyms of decriminalize include allow, countenance, let.

decriminalize (noun)	permit (noun)
	the act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization
	large game fish; found in waters of the West Indies
	a legal document giving official permission to do something

decriminalize (verb)	permit (verb)
make legal	consent to, give permission; permit
	allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting
	make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen