delegitimize

verb

de·​le·​git·​i·​mize ˌdē-lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce delegitimize (audio)
delegitimized; delegitimizing; delegitimizes
Synonyms of delegitimizenext

transitive verb

: to diminish or destroy the legitimacy, prestige, or authority of
delegitimize a government
delegitimization
ˌdē-lə-ˌji-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce delegitimize (audio)
noun

Examples of delegitimize 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.
The goal is to delegitimize them. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026 His human sacrifice of Palestinian civilians has delegitimized Israel around the world to a degree never seen before. — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 Not to silence political speech, but to recognize the patterns of delegitimizing and dehumanization that precede violence against Jews. — Moshe Davis, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026 The slogans also reinforced the regime’s efforts to delegitimize the protests by portraying them as a plot by external and internal enemies, including the monarchists, to destabilize the country. — Eric Lob, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026 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

Rhymes for delegitimize

See All Rhymes for delegitimize

Browse Nearby Words

delegitimate
delegitimize
Delémont
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Delegitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegitimize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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