delegitimize

especially British, de·le·git·i·ma·tize,
especially British, de·le·git·i·mise

[dee-li-jit-uh-mahyz]

verb (used with object)

delegitimized, delegitimizing 

1. to remove the legitimate or legal status of.

delegitimize

/ ˌdiːlɪˈdʒɪtɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to make invalid, illegal, or unacceptable

   crushing and delegitimizing all dissent in Central Asia

Other Word Forms

• delegitimization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of delegitimize¹

de- + legitimize

Example Sentences

In some ways, yes, but only if we discount and delegitimize the lived experience and impact of psychological suffering.

Read more on Salon

Polidoro’s statement also said, “Censoring or delegitimizing questions considered ‘uncomfortable’ does not fall within the practice of democracy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He also put quotation marks around the word congresswoman in a move to delegitimize Crockett’s stature and demeaned the progressive group of mostly women House members of color known as the Squad.

Read more on Salon

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For example, Vu said official statements now have fewer references to a “puppet government” in what was formerly South Vietnam, a term used to delegitimize its former adversary and denounce America’s involvement in the war.

Read more on Los Angeles Times