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.
There are fears that Trump may attempt to delegitimize or not accept the results of the 2026 midterm elections if the Republican Party has widespread losses. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 My own research on political communication has shown that a substantial number of members of Congress, strongly skewing Republican, make frequent use of rhetoric that undermines democratic norms and delegitimizes political institutions. — Christopher Miller, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026 Trans-exclusionary feminists like Julie Bindel or Kathleen Stock, and for that matter Davidson and Craven, enjoy regular access to the national media to delegitimize trans identity while claiming transgender people undermine women’s voices. — Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026 Seeking to deliberately undermine, delegitimize and destroy is not Madisonian. — Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Delegitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegitimize. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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