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
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Whether cloaked in white nationalist propaganda or dressed up in radical slogans that seek to delegitimize Jewish identity or statehood, hate is still hate. Larry Hogan, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2025 Netanyahu, currently facing multiple criminal charges for corruption and abuse of power, is trying to deflect responsibility and delegitimize those calling for a ceasefire, permission of humanitarian aid to starving Gazans, and peace in Palestine. Daoud Kuttab, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 The group has sought since 2004 to delegitimize right-wing media, often launching campaigns targeting advertisers to strip them of funding. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 23 May 2025 Trump has also sought to delegitimize the effort of his predecessor, Joe Biden, to assemble and lead a Western coalition to support Ukraine’s defense, suggesting that the American people were somehow duped and now deserve repayment. Timothy Naftali, Foreign Affairs, 2 May 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 11 Jun. 2025.

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