Delegitimizing: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you want to make something lose its legitimacy or rightful standing, often applied in political or legal settings.

• The opposition party is delegitimizing the government by questioning the election results.
• Fake news can delegitimize credible sources of information.

Appropriate to describe actions that gradually weaken someone's authority, confidence, or efforts. Can be used in personal, professional, or political contexts.

• Constant criticism can undermine a person's self-esteem.
• Leaks of confidential information can undermine national security.

Used to describe the act of making something less strong or effective. This can be applied broadly to physical objects, systems, or abstract concepts like relationships.

• The new policy might weaken the company's market position.
• Years of neglect weakened the structure of the building.

Used to cause others to doubt someone's reputation, credibility, or trustworthiness. Often has a negative connotation.

• The scandal is likely to discredit the politician.
• The scientist's work was discredited after the fraud was discovered.

Appropriate when referring to actions that cause instability or chaos in a system, organization, or country. Often used in political, economic, or social contexts.

• Foreign interference may destabilize the region.
• The sudden influx of refugees could destabilize local communities.