Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make something legal or acceptable: The primary meaning of 'legitimise' is to give something official or legal status, making it lawful or acceptable according to established rules, laws, or social norms.
   • To justify or validate: It can also mean to provide justification or a valid reason for something, thereby making it seem proper or correct.

Usage

• The verb 'legitimise' is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object (e.g., legitimise ).
• It is often used in formal, political, legal, or sociological contexts.
• The spelling legitimize is equally correct and more common in American English.

Examples

• The new law will legitimise the use of certain digital signatures.
• Some argue that holding elections does not automatically legitimise a government accused of human rights abuses.
• The scientist hoped the new evidence would legitimise her controversial theory.

Advanced Usage

• "to legitimise oneself/itself": To gain or establish legitimacy for one's own position or existence.
  • The rebel group sought to legitimise itself by forming a provisional government.
• "to legitimise through/in/by": To use a specific process or means to confer legitimacy.
  • They attempted to legitimise the takeover through a hastily arranged referendum.

Variants and Related Words

• Legitimize (verb): An alternative spelling of 'legitimise'.
• Legitimation (noun): The act or process of making something legitimate.
  • The legitimation of the new state was a slow process.
• Legitimate (adjective): Conforming to the law or rules; valid.
  • He had a legitimate reason for his absence.
• Legitimacy (noun): The quality of being legitimate.
  • The election's legitimacy was questioned by international observers.

Synonyms

• Legalize: To make something legal (often used specifically for laws).
• Authorize: To give official permission for something.
• Validate: To confirm or prove the validity of something.
• Sanction: To give official approval or permission.

Antonyms

• Criminalize: To make something illegal.
• Prohibit: To formally forbid something by law or rule.
• Invalidate: To make something legally or logically unsound; to negate.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Legitimise a claim": To provide evidence or authority that makes a claim acceptable or valid.
  • The ancient document helped to legitimise their claim to the land.
• "Socially legitimise": To make something acceptable within a society or culture.
  • The campaign aimed to socially legitimise alternative family structures.

Verb

1. make legal
   • Marijuana should be legalized