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

Now, Netanyahu’s primary goal after the elections, according to a source close to him, is to delegitimize and prevent any Jewish-Arab political cooperation that could weaken his grip on power. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Netanyahu's main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, said Likud was trying to delegitimize the results. — Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026

The organizations said rhetoric demonizing or delegitimizing Israel contributes to Jewish New Yorkers being treated as suspect, excluded or unsafe, and argued that any serious strategy must acknowledge that connection. — Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

As Netanyahu uses artificial intelligence to delegitimize Arab parties, Palestinian citizens of Israel — who are facing a surge in crime — say voting is their only way to demand change. — Lior Soroka, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 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