legitimize

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

[li-jit-uh-mahyz]

verb (used with object)

legitimized, legitimizing 

1. to make legitimate.

legitimize

/ lɪˈdʒɪtɪməˌtaɪz, lɪˈdʒɪtɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to make legitimate; legalize

Other Word Forms

• legitimization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of legitimize¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin lēgitim(us) ( legitim ) + -ize

Example Sentences

However, we need to acknowledge that our own government, in many cases, sends signals that provide encouragement and support that legitimize violence.

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With the advent of the bomb, Americans accepted their role as “moral monsters,” legitimizing technological slaughter as a permissible instrument of state power.

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This democratic accountability is positioned as a key differentiator that could legitimize the retaliatory action.

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He added that “a failure to legitimize a legal cannabis industry enables the proliferation of an illicit industry that is not accountable and engages in far more nefarious practices.”

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In each case, fascist regimes recognized what many Americans understand: Education is a powerful site for shaping memory, constructing identity and legitimizing power.

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Related Words

• codify 
• constitute 
• decriminalize 
• legislate 
• regulate