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.
Having Paul acknowledge the post in this way goes a long way toward legitimizing the possibility that the fight happens. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Austin Kocher, a Syracuse University research assistant professor who used to run an Ohio immigrant rights organization, said Trump’s massive platform legitimized the hoaxes and kept them circulating long after they were disproved. Maria Ramirez Uribe and Amy Sherman, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024 Partnerships have also played a pivotal role in legitimizing the industry. Calvin Rasode, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024 But right now, India also needs the United States, and Washington therefore has choices about where and how much to legitimize and facilitate New Delhi’s rise—and where to push back. Manjari Chatterjee Miller, Foreign Affairs, 11 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 30 Dec. 2024.

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
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