verbformal
to make something officially accepted or valid
The new law legitimized the organization.
Common phrases & grammar
legitimize a government · legitimize an agreement
American English
How to pronounce legitimize
verbB2
lihJIHduhmaiz
/lɪˈʤɪ.ɾəˌmaɪz/
4 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
to make something officially accepted or valid
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
verbformal
to make an action, idea, or person seem reasonable or acceptable
His success legitimized the new style of music.
Good to know
This meaning does not necessarily involve the law.
Common phrases & grammar
legitimize a claim · legitimize criticism