delegitimize
gb/dˈɛlɪd͡ʒɪtɪmˌaɪz/ us/dˈɛlɪd͡ʒɪtɪmˌaɪz/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C1
action
1
undermine perceived legitimacy
To make people believe that someone or something is not valid, fair, lawful, or worthy of respect.
Usage pattern:
delegitimize [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Do not use it simply to mean “criticize.” It usually means attacking the right, authority, or validity of someone or something. British spelling: “delegitimise.”
Synonyms
discredit (more general; means to damage trust or reputation)
|
undermine (broader; can mean weaken in many ways, not only legitimacy)
|
invalidate (stronger focus on showing something is not valid, often in legal or logical contexts)
|
denigrate (focuses on speaking about someone or something as inferior or worthless)
Antonyms
legitimize (to make something seem valid, lawful, or acceptable)
|
validate (to confirm that something is valid or reasonable)
|
authorize (to give official permission or legal authority)
Collocations
delegitimize an election
|delegitimize a government
|delegitimize an opponent
|delegitimize the courts
|delegitimize a movement
|delegitimize protests
|delegitimize a claim
|delegitimize authority
|delegitimize a regime
|an attempt to delegitimize
Themes
politics
|society
|law
|media
|power
Examples
- The campaign tried to delegitimize the election by spreading false claims of fraud.
- Critics said the new law was designed to delegitimize peaceful protests.
- By attacking the independence of the courts, the president risked delegitimizing the entire legal system.
Learner examples
- They tried to delegitimize the vote.
- False stories can delegitimize a political movement.
Grammar
Dictionary form
delegitimize
IPA
GB/dˈɛlɪd͡ʒɪtɪmˌaɪz/
US/dˈɛlɪd͡ʒɪtɪmˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
del - e - git - im - ize (5 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (del)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: delegitimize
- 3rd Person Singular: delegitimizes
- Present Participle: delegitimizing
- Past: delegitimized
- Past Participle: delegitimized
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.