verb
legitimize
luh-JIH-tih-myz
verb
1
To make something officially lawful or accepted as valid.
"The new law legitimized same-sex marriage nationwide."
"Some critics say the deal simply legitimizes an unfair practice."
How to Use Legitimize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo officially accept or justify something as lawful, valid, or proper.
UK vs US
British English often uses the spelling "legitimise" instead.
Common pairings
legitimize a claim
legitimize power
legitimize the process
Word Forms
legitimized past tense, legitimizes singular
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The new law _____ same-sex marriage nationwide.
Etymology
From legitimate plus the verb-forming suffix -ize.