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
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During that time, the party promoted historical narratives about Polish victimhood and resistance to the Nazis, while delegitimizing research on Polish antisemitism or Poles who killed Jews, and even passed a law that outlawed accusing Poland or the Polish people of complicity in Nazi crimes. Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025 These are psychopaths, and their behavior should not be tolerated, and their actions should not be used to delegitimize peaceful demonstrators. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025 This translates to more coverage generally in the aftermath of a big event − and that reporting is more likely to delegitimize protests. Danielle K. Brown, The Conversation, 23 May 2025 These flaws delegitimized the legal order prohibiting the use of force, particularly in the eyes of states in the global South. Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 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 21 Aug. 2025.

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