Delegitimizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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delegitimizing

[dɪˌlɛdʒɪˈtɪmaɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

politics

To undermine or weaken the legitimacy or authority of something, especially a government, institution, or individual.

Synonyms

destabilize, discredit, undermine, weaken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
delegitimizing	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.
undermine	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.
weaken	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.
discredit	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.
destabilize	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.

Examples of usage

His constant attacks on the media are delegitimizing the free press.
The opposition party accused the ruling party of delegitimizing the election process.
By spreading misinformation, they are delegitimizing the scientific community.
The scandal had the potential to delegitimize the entire organization.
Their actions are delegitimizing the efforts of those trying to bring about positive change.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Politics

Delegitimization is often used in political discussions to undermine opponents’ authority, suggesting their claims or power are invalid.
In international relations, countries may seek to delegitimize rival nations to justify actions against them, such as sanctions or military intervention.
Media plays a key role, as narratives can shift public opinion, making leaders or movements seem unworthy of recognition.

Psychology

Psychologically, delegitimizing can affect individuals' self-worth, making them question their beliefs or identities.
This can contribute to group dynamics, where the rejection of a member's opinion leads to social isolation and stress.
Historically, delegitimizing tactics have been seen in various social movements to suppress dissent and establish control.

Culture

In social discourse, the term often comes up in debates about marginalized communities, questioning their narratives or experiences.
The rise of digital media has enabled rapid delegitimization of various figures, particularly during controversies where information spreads quickly.
Art and literature have frequently explored themes of legitimacy and identity, with characters often facing the challenge of being seen as valid.

Technology

With the advent of social media, delegitimizing can happen quickly, as misinformation circulates widely, diminishing public trust.
Fact-checking organizations work to combat delegitimizing narratives by validating or disproving claims made online.
Algorithms can alter the perception of legitimacy, sometimes prioritizing sensational content over credible information.

Origin of 'delegitimizing'

Main points about word origin

The term combines 'de-' (meaning to remove) with 'legitimizing', a word used to describe making something acceptable or valid.
Root words trace back to Latin, where 'legitimus' means lawful or proper, showing the connection between legitimacy and social acceptance.
The prefix 'de-' emphasizes a change from a state of validity to one of doubt or rejection.

The word 'delegitimize' is derived from the combination of 'de-' meaning 'remove' or 'reverse', and 'legitimize' meaning 'to make legitimate'. The concept of delegitimizing has been present in politics and social contexts for centuries, as individuals and groups seek to challenge or question the legitimacy of established authorities or systems. By casting doubt on the legitimacy of something, one aims to diminish its perceived authority or credibility.