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.
Just like when Trump recently helped legitimize Maduro by sending White House special envoy Richard Grenell to meet with the Venezuelan dictator and pose in smiling pictures with him, Trump’s de facto abandonment of pro-democracy groups in the hemisphere is a major blunder. Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025 The world's most powerful political figure has legitimized their vision. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 The move aims to legitimize crypto in the U.S., while responding to long-standing calls for clearer — and softer — regulations from both crypto platforms and traditional financial firms. Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 27 Jan. 2025 And that fear is only legitimized further by laws that allow fear itself to be a credible excuse for murder. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 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 18 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

More from Merriam-Webster on legitimize

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