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.
Congressional hearings in 2022 and 2023 further legitimized the topic, with intelligence officials emphasizing national security concerns. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 Worse, social media legitimizes these unattainable criteria by validating minor turn-offs as dealbreakers. Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 In that sense, Trump's willingness to talk with Putin legitimizes him to a certain extent, or at least is an attempt to change the narrative. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025 The same day as his remarks at the conference, Mr. Vance met with the leader of Germany’s extreme right movement, which is contesting national elections this month, boosting a party Russia has sought to legitimize. Paul Sonne, New York Times, 16 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimize. Accessed 1 Mar. 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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