1. to make something legitimate or acceptable; to give official approval or recognition to something
Usage: formal

Examples

• The new law will legitimatize the use of medical marijuana in the state.
• The company tried to legitimatize its controversial business practices through charitable donations.
• The treaty helped legitimatize the new government in the eyes of the international community.
• Critics argued that the policy would legitimatize discrimination.
• The university’s accreditation serves to legitimatize its degree programs.
• The referendum was held to legitimatize the proposed constitutional changes.