delegitimize

verb

de·​le·​git·​i·​mize ˌdē-lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce delegitimize (audio)
delegitimized; delegitimizing; delegitimizes

transitive verb

: to diminish or destroy the legitimacy, prestige, or authority of
delegitimize a government
delegitimization noun

Examples of delegitimize 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.
Trump and his cronies have pulled out all the stops — short of arrests — to neuter and delegitimize legitimate journalism. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 20 Aug. 2025 This was no isolated outburst, but part of a broader effort to delegitimize conservative participation in academic life. Ilya Shapiro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025 Advertisement For more than a century, demonizing opponents has been useful for delegitimizing threats and justifying exceptional actions in foreign lands. Time, 8 Aug. 2025 The Maduro government has long accused international entities like the OAS commission and United Nations of participating in a conspiracy to delegitimize its authority. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delegitimize

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delegitimize was in 1968

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Cite this Entry

“Delegitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegitimize. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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