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Delegitimize: meaning, definitions and examples

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delegitimize

[ dɪˌlɛdʒɪtɪˌmaɪz ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
delegitimize	Use this word to describe the action of making something seem not legitimate or legal. It's often used in political or legal contexts. The opposition party tried to delegitimize the new government's policies
discredit	Use this word to show the act of harming the reputation or credibility of someone or something. This word often has a negative tone. The scandal served to discredit the company's leadership team
undermine	Use this word when you want to talk about weakening or damaging the foundation or strength of something, often in a subtle or gradual way. It has a negative connotation. His constant criticisms began to undermine her confidence
cast doubt on	Use this phrase when you want to express uncertainty or skepticism about something. It is usually more neutral than the other options. The recent evidence cast doubt on the scientist's earlier findings

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.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

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

challenge, disprove, question.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
delegitimize	Typically used in contexts where the goal is to undermine the validity or credibility of a person, institution, or idea. This word has a negative connotation. The opposition party tried to delegitimize the election results. Spreading false information can delegitimize the efforts of healthcare professionals.
challenge	Used when questioning or disputing the truth, validity, or authority of something or someone. It is often used in formal or structured debates. She decided to challenge the new policy at the meeting. The scientist challenged the existing theory with new evidence.
question	Utilized when expressing doubt or seeking more information about the truth or validity of something. It has a neutral connotation and is often used in everyday conversations. She began to question the company's financial practices. The students questioned the accuracy of the report.
disprove	This word is used when providing evidence or arguments that show something is not true. It is commonly used in scientific and factual discussions. The experiment was designed to disprove the previous hypothesis. He managed to disprove the rumors about his involvement in the scandal.

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.