Definitions

1. verb

to make or give the appearance of being legitimate, legal, or official

“The government has tried to legitimize the disputed election results.”

2. verb

to give a false appearance of legitimacy to something

“The company was accused of trying to legitimize its environmentally damaging practices.”

3. verb

to give official recognition or sanction to

“The new law legitimized the rights of same-sex couples to adopt children.”

4. noun

the act or process of making something legitimate or official

“The legitimation of the new policy was a long and complex process.”

5. noun

the state of being legitimate or officially recognized

“The legitimation of the new law brought a sense of relief to the community.”