Delegitimize: meaning, definitions and examples
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delegitimize
[ dɪˌlɛdʒɪtɪˌmaɪz ]
in politics
To undermine or discredit the legitimacy or authority of something or someone, especially in a political context. This can involve questioning the validity of elections, decisions, or actions, often with the aim of diminishing trust or support.
Synonyms
cast doubt on, discredit, undermine
Examples of usage
- His opponents sought to delegitimize his presidency by spreading false rumors.
- The opposition party accused the government of trying to delegitimize their campaign through smear tactics.
in academic setting
To challenge or question the validity of a theory, research finding, or academic institution. This can involve pointing out flaws in methodology, bias in interpretation, or lack of evidence.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The scholar's goal was not to delegitimize the study, but to offer constructive criticism for improvement.
- Some argue that the attempt to delegitimize certain academic disciplines is harmful to intellectual diversity.
Translations
Translations of the word "delegitimize" in other languages:
🇵🇹 deslegitimar
🇮🇳 अवैध करना
🇩🇪 delegitimieren
🇮🇩 mendelegitimasi
🇺🇦 делегітимізувати
🇵🇱 delegitymizować
🇯🇵 正当性を失わせる
🇫🇷 délégitimer
🇪🇸 deslegitimar
🇹🇷 meşruiyetini ortadan kaldırmak
🇰🇷 정당성을 잃게 하다
🇸🇦 نزع الشرعية
🇨🇿 delegitimizovat
🇸🇰 delegitimizovať
🇨🇳 使失去合法性
🇸🇮 delegitimizirati
🇮🇸 afleggja lögmæti
🇰🇿 заңсыз ету
🇬🇪 დელეგიტიმაცია
🇦🇿 qanunsuzlaşdırmaq
🇲🇽 deslegitimar
Etymology
The word 'delegitimize' originated in the mid-20th century, combining 'de-' (meaning 'remove' or 'reverse') with 'legitimize' (from 'legitimate,' meaning 'conforming to law or rules'). The concept of delegitimizing has been prevalent in political discourse, especially in the context of questioning the legitimacy of governments, elections, and authority figures. In academic settings, delegitimization can be a means of promoting critical thinking and examining the foundations of knowledge.
See also: legitimise, legitimize.