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

Flores, however, stands by the district’s enrollment department’s ability to legitimize the transfer paperwork. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026

But critics fear the FDA’s stamp of approval will simply legitimize the use of unproven substances whose dangers may only become apparent in coming years. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 20 July 2026

There is no formal consensus, however, and no faction willing to move first on anything that could be portrayed as surrendering leverage, legitimizing the bombing campaign, or handing Trump a clear victory. — Sanam Vakil, Time, 16 July 2026

Peptide proponents like Rosebush counter that pharmaceutical companies have no interest in running the kind of costly studies on these peptides that are needed to legitimize them because many of them can't be patented. — Will Stone, NPR, 8 July 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