noun
- a person or thing that legitimates or makes something legitimate; one who confers legitimacy
Usage: formal; often used in academic, political, or institutional contexts
Examples
- The court served as a legitimator of the new government's authority.
- International recognition acted as a legitimator for the fledgling nation.
- The endorsement of respected scholars became a legitimator for the controversial theory.
- Media coverage can function as a legitimator of public figures and their agendas.
- The institution's long history made it an effective legitimator of academic standards.