delegitimize

American  

[dee-li-jit-uh-mahyz] / ˌdi lɪˈdʒɪt əˌmaɪz /

especially British, delegitimatize, especially british, delegitimise

verb (used with object)

delegitimized, delegitimizing

1. to remove the legitimate or legal status of.

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delegitimize British  

/ ˌdiːlɪˈdʒɪtɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to make invalid, illegal, or unacceptable

   crushing and delegitimizing all dissent in Central Asia

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Other Word Forms

• delegitimization noun

Etymology

Origin of delegitimize

de- + legitimize

Explanation

When we delegitimize something, we remove or reduce its legal status or validity. To promote safe driving, we have delegitimized speeding and riding without a fastened seatbelt. If officials decide to delegitimize a dangerous chemical, they may ban it from use in consumer products to keep the public safe. Delegitimize can also refer to trying to undermine the prestige or authority of someone or something. For instance, accusations of wrongdoing against someone can delegitimize that person's reputation and work, even if the allegations are proven to be untrue later on.

Example Sentences

The idea wasn’t to subsume or co-opt the radicals, but to delegitimize them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

In some ways, yes, but only if we discount and delegitimize the lived experience and impact of psychological suffering.

From Salon • Sep. 20, 2025

“It was always, then as now, designed to be an opening wedge in an effort to delegitimize whatever it was for everyone.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2023

He and a lot of these settlers tried to delegitimize Indigenous people that are engaging with technology.

From New York Times • Aug. 19, 2022

“I’m not aiming to delegitimize the feeling that this person is expressing,” he said.

From Slate • Nov. 23, 2021