Legitimization: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️
Add to dictionary

legitimization

 

[ lɪˌdʒɪtɪmɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political

The process of making something lawful or acceptable, typically through official approval or recognition.

Synonyms

approval, authorization, validation

Examples of usage

  • The government sought the legitimation of its actions through various legal means.
  • The legitimation of the new policy was met with mixed reactions from the public.
Context #2 | Noun

sociological

The process by which an individual or group is perceived as legitimate or having the right to wield power or influence within a society.

Synonyms

credibility, legitimacy, validity

Examples of usage

  • The legitimation of traditional leadership structures is crucial in maintaining social order.
  • The legitimation of authority figures can vary across different cultural contexts.

Translations

Translations of the word "legitimization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 legitimação

🇮🇳 वैधता

🇩🇪 Legitimierung

🇮🇩 legitimasi

🇺🇦 легітимація

🇵🇱 legitymizacja

🇯🇵 正当化

🇫🇷 légitimation

🇪🇸 legitimación

🇹🇷 meşrulaştırma

🇰🇷 정당화

🇸🇦 إضفاء الشرعية

🇨🇿 legitimace

🇸🇰 legitimizácia

🇨🇳 合法化

🇸🇮 legitimacija

🇮🇸 löggilding

🇰🇿 заңдастыру

🇬🇪 ლეგიტიმაცია

🇦🇿 leqallaşdırma

🇲🇽 legitimación

Etymology

The word 'legitimization' originates from the verb 'legitimate', which comes from the Latin 'legitimare', meaning 'make lawful'. The concept of legitimization has been a crucial aspect of political and social discourse throughout history, as societies seek to establish authority, credibility, and acceptance of norms and structures. The process of legitimation can involve legal, cultural, and institutional mechanisms to confer legitimacy on individuals, actions, or systems.

See also: delegitimizing, illegitimate, illegitimately.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,746 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.