delegitimize

verb

de·​le·​git·​i·​mize ˌdē-lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz 

delegitimized; delegitimizing; delegitimizes

transitive verb

: to diminish or destroy the legitimacy, prestige, or authority of

delegitimize a government

delegitimization

ˌdē-lə-ˌji-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of delegitimize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In my opinion, the same forces working to delegitimize Israel are working to undermine the Western alliance, democratic institutions, and American leadership itself. — Naftali Bennett, Time, 9 July 2026

Students aimed to delegitimize Pichai's presence, reflecting a Gen Z trend to disengage from institutions perceived as breaking an implicit social contract, challenging corporate dissent management. — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

His human sacrifice of Palestinian civilians has delegitimized Israel around the world to a degree never seen before. — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 16 June 2026

The goal is to delegitimize them. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for delegitimize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize