delegitimize

verb

de·​le·​git·​i·​mize ˌdē-lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce delegitimize (audio)
delegitimized; delegitimizing; delegitimizes

transitive verb

: to diminish or destroy the legitimacy, prestige, or authority of
delegitimize a government
delegitimization noun

Examples of delegitimize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For others, however, these types of procedures are interpreted as erasure that ultimately delegitimizes disabled bodies. Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 The governor pointed to Trump’s moves since taking office in January to threaten funding for universities with diversity, equity and inclusion offices or policies, target law firms, delegitimize news organizations and call for the governor’s arrest. Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2025 Bondi served as an adviser on Trump's 2020 campaign, helping file a string of unsuccessful lawsuits alleging voter fraud and pushing to delegitimize vote counting in Pennsylvania. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025 The blatant attempt to intimidate and delegitimize judges, whether by threatening them with impeachment or labeling them as activists, simply because of their judicial decisions should worry us all. Justice Lubbie Harper, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delegitimize

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delegitimize was in 1968

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Cite this Entry

“Delegitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegitimize. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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