legitimize
UK: /lɪˈdʒɪt.ɪ.maɪz/ | US: /lɪˈdʒɪt̬.ə.maɪz/
vt. To make something lawful or valid.
vt. To justify or give authority to something.
legitimize = legit<lawful> + imize<verb suffix (variant of -ize)>
- legit: From Latin legitimus ("lawful"), derived from lex ("law"). Retains the core meaning of legality or validity.
- imize: A verb-forming suffix derived from Greek -izein, via Latin -izare, indicating "to make" or "to render."
Etymology Origin:
The word legitimize emerged in the early 19th century, combining legit (rooted in Roman legal tradition) with the productive suffix -ize. It reflects a linguistic trend of formalizing abstract concepts (e.g., "legalize" → "legitimize") to describe the act of conferring legitimacy, often in social or political contexts. The suffix -ize was favored in English for creating verbs from nouns/adjectives, reinforcing the transformative action (e.g., "make legitimate").
The new policy aims to legitimize renewable energy initiatives.
Critics argue the treaty was designed to legitimize authoritarian practices.
The court ruling helped legitimize his claim to the property.
Social recognition can legitimize unconventional lifestyles.
The government sought to legitimize its actions through a public referendum.