legitimation

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​tion lə̇ˌjitəˈmāshən 

plural -s

1

: the act or process of making legitimate

English domestic law allowed legitimation by subsequent marriage

—J. H. C. Morris

the legitimation of money

2

obsolete : legitimacy sense a

Word History

Etymology

Middle English legitimacioun, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French legitimation, from Medieval Latin legitimation-, legitimatio, from legitimatus (past participle of legitimare to legitimate) + Latin -ion-, -io -ion

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for legitimation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration