Delegitimizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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delegitimizing

[dɪˌlɛdʒɪˈtɪmaɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Translations of the word "delegitimizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deslegitimar

🇮🇳 अवैध बनाना

🇩🇪 delegitimieren

🇮🇩 mendelegitimasi

🇺🇦 делегітимізація

🇵🇱 delegitymizować

🇯🇵 正当性を失わせる

🇫🇷 délégitimer

🇪🇸 deslegitimar

🇹🇷 meşruiyetini ortadan kaldırma

🇰🇷 정당성을 잃게 하다

🇸🇦 نزع الشرعية

🇨🇿 delegitimovat

🇸🇰 delegitimizovať

🇨🇳 失去合法性

🇸🇮 delegitimizirati

🇮🇸 aflétta lögmæti

🇰🇿 заңдылығын жою

🇬🇪 დელეგიტიმაცია

🇦🇿 legitimliyini ortadan qaldırmaq

🇲🇽 deslegitimar