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

That bull and another issued three years later, Romanus Pontifex, formed the basis of the Doctrine of Discovery, the theory that legitimized the colonial-era seizure of land in Africa and the Americas. —Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026

Critics caution the pope against allowing the government to exploit his presence, warning his visit risks legitimizing the regime’s abuses while offering only symbolic appeals for peace. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

In the new Daredevil series, the character is trying to legitimize himself by running for mayor of New York City. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026

There is a difference in legitimizing a person’s agenda versus finding common ground. —Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 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