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.
Ukraine and its allies do not want the U.S. to legitimize Russia's annexation. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 Barrett and Lawrence noted violence becomes normalized when leaders or the public legitimize it. Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 21 Mar. 2025 Keeping all three in place would only turn off fans more and legitimize the critics who say ownership isn’t willing to make the tough decisions to put this team in the best position to win. William Guillory, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 Parcells legitimized the franchise upon his arrival as a Super Bowl-winning coach in 1993 and took the Patriots to the playoffs in two of his four seasons. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimize. Accessed 30 Apr. 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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