Legitimize Meaning in English

word

US

ɫəˈdʒɪtəˌmaɪz/, /ɫɪˈdʒɪtəˌmaɪz

luh-JIT-uh-myz

UK

ləˈdʒɪtɪmaɪz

luh-JIT-ih-myz

Definition

To make something legal, acceptable, or recognized by law or society.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in legal, social, and political contexts. Common with negative, controversial, or questionable things being made acceptable. More formal than 'make legal.' Watch for confusion with 'justify,' which means to show something is right, not just legal.

• Spanish: legitimar
• Portuguese (BR): legitimar
• Portuguese (PT): legitimar
• Chinese (Simplified): 使合法化 - 使正当化
• Chinese (Traditional): 使合法化 - 使正當化
• Hindi: वैध बनाना
• Arabic: إضفاء الشرعية
• Bengali: আইনিভাবে বৈধ করা - বৈধতা দেওয়া
• Russian: узаконить - легитимизировать
• Japanese: 正当化する - 合法化する
• Vietnamese: hợp pháp hóa - làm cho hợp lệ
• Korean: 정당화하다 - 합법화하다
• Turkish: meşrulaştırmak
• Urdu: قانونی حیثیت دینا - جائز قرار دینا
• Indonesian: melegitimasi - mengesahkan

Example Sentences

The government wants to legitimize the new law.

basic

They tried to legitimize their business activities.

basic

The leader's actions helped to legitimize the movement.

basic

Some groups want to legitimize activities that many people think are dangerous.

natural

Celebrities sometimes legitimize new trends just by using them.

natural

Passing the bill would legitimize a practice that was previously banned.

natural