legitimize
Translation
to make something legal or acceptable
Examples
The government tried to legitimize its actions.
The government tried to legitimize its actions.
His election victory legitimized his authority.
His election victory legitimized his authority.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to make (sth.) legal or acceptable The government tried to legitimize its actions.
Similar Words
Synonyms: validate, authorize, sanction; Antonyms: delegitimize, invalidate
Etymology
From Latin 'legitimus' (lawful), from 'lex' (law), plus the suffix '-ize' (to make).
Memory Tips
Think of the slang word 'legit'. To 'legitimize' something is to make it 'legit' or lawful.