legitimize

verb

le·​git·​i·​mize li-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing
legitimization noun
legitimizer noun

Examples of legitimize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most likely, though, the nation’s new health leaders will choose to reshape the committee into one whose viewpoints would seem to legitimize their own. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025 Trump's actions have legitimized the rioters after the FBI and other federal agencies spent tens of millions of dollars hunting them and prosecuting them for their attempts to stop Congress from confirming Joe Biden's win in the 2020 presidential election. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 Opinions Trump’s talk of manifest destiny legitimizes a world order in which might makes right, Greg Grandin writes. German Lopez, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 While some heralded the 2002 trip as a groundbreaking step to promote democracy that cemented Carter's status as an accomplished statesman, others slammed the former president -- accusing him of legitimizing Cuba's President Fidel Castro and his regime. Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legitimize 

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legitimize was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near legitimize

Cite this Entry

“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimize. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

legitimize

verb
le·​git·​i·​mize li-ˈjit-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing

Legal Definition

legitimize

transitive verb
le·​git·​i·​mize lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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