delegitimize
verb
de·le·git·i·mize
ˌdē-lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz 
delegitimized; delegitimizing; delegitimizes
: to diminish or destroy the legitimacy, prestige, or authority of
delegitimize a government
Examples of delegitimize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nothing delegitimizes authoritarian leaders more than defeat.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Most recently, the Knesset’s ban on the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA’s operations in the West Bank and Gaza not only ensures a deepening humanitarian crisis but also aims to delegitimize Palestinians’ refugee status and claims to their original homes and lands.
—John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
She was forced to abandon her positive campaigning and concentrate instead on delegitimizing Trump as unfit and extreme.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Nov. 2024
This does not mean that efforts to delegitimize the results of the election—or the possibility that antidemocratic forces may try to mount a sustained attack on the electoral system—should be taken lightly.
—Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for delegitimize 
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.
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Most recently, the Knesset’s ban on the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA’s operations in the West Bank and Gaza not only ensures a deepening humanitarian crisis but also aims to delegitimize Palestinians’ refugee status and claims to their original homes and lands.
—John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
She was forced to abandon her positive campaigning and concentrate instead on delegitimizing Trump as unfit and extreme.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Nov. 2024
This does not mean that efforts to delegitimize the results of the election—or the possibility that antidemocratic forces may try to mount a sustained attack on the electoral system—should be taken lightly.
—Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for delegitimize
Dictionary Entries Near delegitimize
Cite this Entry
“Delegitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegitimize. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share