legitimize

verb

le·​git·​i·​mize li-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz 

legitimized; legitimizing

transitive verb

: to make legitimate : legitimate

legitimization

li-ˌji-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

legitimizer

li-ˈji-tə-ˌmī-zər 

noun

Examples of legitimize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than continuing to work to legitimize her rule through support for the common people per Mysaria's counsel, Rhaenyra opted for the show of brute force Daemon has been all too eager to lead the charge on. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

The company is abandoning the $799 price point, with the Pixel 11 expected to start at $899 for 256GB storage, legitimizing a wider industry shift to higher base storage and prices. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Between these firsthand testimonies from veterans, his own medical miracle, and the spiritual experience, Perry became convinced that helping legitimize ibogaine should be his life’s mission. — Michelle Lhooq, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

Both Vanderpump Rules and Keeping Up With the Kardashians helped legitimize reality TV as a way to promote businesses and one’s public platform. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for legitimize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

legitimize

verb

le·​git·​i·​mize li-ˈjit-ə-ˌmīz 

legitimized; legitimizing

: legitimate entry 2

Legal Definition

legitimize

transitive verb

le·​git·​i·​mize lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz 

legitimized; legitimizing

: legalize, legitimate