To legitimize
Example: Governments often attempt to legitimize their authority through historical narratives.
Definition
"To legitimize" means to make something lawful, acceptable, or justified, especially by official recognition or approval. It often refers to actions taken to validate or give legitimacy to authority, rules, or practices, as when governments legitimize their power through historical narratives.
Etymology
The word "to legitimize" comes from the Latin root 'legitimus,' meaning lawful or rightful. It entered English through French 'légitimer' during the 16th century. Did you know? The term originally related to legitimizing children born out of wedlock, extending later to broader legal and social acceptance.
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"To legitimize" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - History - (C1) - set 1", containing 198 commonly used words.
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