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.
The leftist candidate, Eduardo del Castillo of the MAS party (Movement for Socialism), received only 3.2% of the vote, and an insurgent campaign by longtime President Evo Morales to have people cast invalid ballots to delegitimize the process fell flat. Daniel Markind, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Censoring or delegitimizing questions considered 'uncomfortable' does not fall within the practice of democracy. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 Trump and his cronies have pulled out all the stops — short of arrests — to neuter and delegitimize legitimate journalism. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Advertisement For more than a century, demonizing opponents has been useful for delegitimizing threats and justifying exceptional actions in foreign lands. Time, 8 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Delegitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegitimize. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on delegitimize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!