Definition

The process of taking away the accepted status or authority of something, making it no longer considered valid or legitimate.

Example

The delegitimation of the previous government led to widespread protests.

Conversation

Did you hear about the delegitimation of that popular event last year?

Yeah, it was surprising how quickly people turned against it.

I wonder what caused such a swift delegitimation in public opinion.

It seems like once a few rumors started, everything just fell apart.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Delegitimation → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "legitimus" (from Latin, meaning lawful or legitimate) and "-ation" (a suffix indicating a process or action). The word refers to the process of removing or undermining the legitimacy of something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') the 'lawfulness' ('legitimus') of something — that's why delegitimation means to take away its legitimacy.

Visually Confused Words