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Definition of legitimize

legitimize

/ləˈdʒɪt.ə.maɪz/
(UK: legitimise)
le · git · i · mize
Adverb:legitimately
•
Adjective:legitimate
•
Past Simple:legitimized
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Past Participle:legitimized
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Present Participle:legitimizing
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legitimize Lexical Profile

legitimize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make something lawful, valid, or acceptable by providing official authorization, moral justification, or public recognition.

Example

"The diplomatic treaty helped legitimize the newly formed government on the international stage."

2

To grant legal status and full inheritance rights to a child born to unmarried parents.

Example

"Under the revised family code, the parents were able to formally legitimize their children through a civil registration process."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for legitimize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for legitimize

• Rhymes for legitimize

• Nearby Words

legitimate
legitimately
legitimatize
legitimize
legless
leglike
legroom

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 18th century from 'legitimate' (derived from Medieval Latin 'legitimatus', meaning 'made legal', from Latin 'lex', meaning 'law') combined with the verbal suffix '-ize'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Legitimize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/legitimize
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