delegitimize
verb
de·le·git·i·mize
ˌdē-lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz 
delegitimized; delegitimizing; delegitimizes
: to diminish or destroy the legitimacy, prestige, or authority of
delegitimize a government
Examples of delegitimize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These flaws delegitimized the legal order prohibiting the use of force, particularly in the eyes of states in the global South.
—
Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Analysts say the rhetoric aims to delegitimize any narrative that challenges the government’s version of events.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
The result is a system in which people are delegitimized, disenfranchised, and potentially deported—even after doing everything the federal government has asked of them.
—Karen Tumlin, Time, 6 May 2025
Researchers noted denial has long threatened the flow of climate science information, but attempts to discredit or delegitimize climate science have started dominating the anti-climate science campaigns.
—Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for delegitimize
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.
Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Analysts say the rhetoric aims to delegitimize any narrative that challenges the government’s version of events.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
The result is a system in which people are delegitimized, disenfranchised, and potentially deported—even after doing everything the federal government has asked of them.
—Karen Tumlin, Time, 6 May 2025
Researchers noted denial has long threatened the flow of climate science information, but attempts to discredit or delegitimize climate science have started dominating the anti-climate science campaigns.
—Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for delegitimize
Cite this Entry
“Delegitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegitimize. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share