legitimization

/lɪˌdʒɪtəməˈzeɪʃən/
noun
  1. The act or process of making something legal, acceptable, or officially recognized.
    • The legitimization of same-sex marriage was a major milestone for equality.
    • Historians debate the legitimization of certain rulers who came to power through conquest.
    • The company sought legitimization of its new drug through clinical trials.
  2. The act of making something seem reasonable or justified, even if it is not officially legal.
    • The legitimization of gossip as a form of entertainment troubles many educators.
    • Some worry that constant exposure to violence in media leads to the legitimization of aggression.
    • The politician's speech was seen as an attempt at the legitimization of unfair trade practices.