legitimize

American  

[li-jit-uh-mahyz] / lɪˈdʒɪt əˌmaɪz /

especially British, legitimise especially british, legitimatize,

verb (used with object)

legitimized, legitimizing

1. to make legitimate.

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legitimize British  

/ lɪˈdʒɪtɪməˌtaɪz, lɪˈdʒɪtɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to make legitimate; legalize

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Other Word Forms

• legitimization noun

Etymology

Origin of legitimize

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

Example Sentences

The picture of Russia emerging triumphant and legitimized from such a deal is, ahem, at variance with reality.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Seeing Peggy get her Cinderella moment legitimized her as one of the romantic leads of the show,” Benton says.

From Los Angeles Times

Categorization of the most severe symptoms is a way not only to legitimize people’s neurocognitive dysfunction but also to elevate their need for intervention.

From Scientific American

This theory, backed by 15th-century “papal bulls,” was used to legitimize the colonial-era seizure of Native lands and forms the basis of some property laws today in the U.S. and Canada.

From Washington Times

The elaborate coronation rituals still help legitimize the royal transition — and sell the royal brand.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• codify
• constitute
• decriminalize
• legislate
• regulate