# legitimize

/ɫəˈdʒɪtəˌmaɪz/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/legitimize
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

to make something seem legal, acceptable, or true. You use this when you want to show that a new idea or action is not wrong.

For teachers: to make something legal, acceptable, or valid. Often involves providing a justification or a formal endorsement to remove the stigma of a previously questionable practice.

## Examples

- The new law will help legitimize the use of renewable energy.
- By publishing their findings in a peer-reviewed journal, the researchers hoped to legitimize their controversial theory.
- The government's decision to regulate the cryptocurrency market was seen as an attempt to legitimize the asset class and attract institutional investors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.