legitimize

verb

le·​git·​i·​mize li-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing
legitimization noun
legitimizer noun

Examples of legitimize 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.
Then 28, Homa won his first PGA Tour event, legitimizing what had otherwise been a middling career. Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Amazon has taken strides to legitimize Amazon Ads as a true, standalone business unit. Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 Sheikh Hasina distorted Bangladesh’s origin story to legitimize her near-absolute power, during which corruption and graft became widespread. Simon Montlake, Christian Science Monitor, 16 May 2025 That duality extends to its star’s performance, too: Clive Owen is Dr. John Thackery, the man leading the charge to legitimize surgery, who’s unbelievably talented and brave enough to enter the field of medicine. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legitimize

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legitimize was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimize. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

legitimize

verb
le·​git·​i·​mize li-ˈjit-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing

Legal Definition

legitimize

transitive verb
le·​git·​i·​mize lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing

More from Merriam-Webster on legitimize

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