delegitimize

American  

[dee-li-jit-uh-mahyz] / ˌdi lɪˈdʒɪt əˌmaɪz /

especially British, delegitimatize, especially british, delegitimise

verb (used with object)

delegitimized, delegitimizing

1. to remove the legitimate or legal status of.

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delegitimize British  

/ ˌdiːlɪˈdʒɪtɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to make invalid, illegal, or unacceptable

   crushing and delegitimizing all dissent in Central Asia

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• delegitimization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of delegitimize

de- + legitimize

Explanation

When we delegitimize something, we remove or reduce its legal status or validity. To promote safe driving, we have delegitimized speeding and riding without a fastened seatbelt. If officials decide to delegitimize a dangerous chemical, they may ban it from use in consumer products to keep the public safe. Delegitimize can also refer to trying to undermine the prestige or authority of someone or something. For instance, accusations of wrongdoing against someone can delegitimize that person's reputation and work, even if the allegations are proven to be untrue later on.

Example Sentences

“People are always trying to delegitimize my own opinions and my platform,” said Lea, who has more than 180,000 followers on Instagram.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

When a stitch isn’t working, or I mess up the seam, I’ll delegitimize myself a little bit and think I’m a fraud because I’m having people pay me for this.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

Indeed, Shantel Buggs, an assistant professor of sociology at Florida State University who studies race and relationships, noted Harris’ marriage to Doug Emhoff as another potential source of ammunition for those looking to delegitimize Harris.

From Slate • Aug. 1, 2024

The very existence of such a treaty does at least help delegitimize nuclear weaponry.

From Salon • Aug. 1, 2023

“We strongly reject these accusations and refuse to accept bad-faith attempts to delegitimize artists and preventively censor them on the basis of their ethnic heritage and presumed political positions.”

From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2022