legitimize

/ləˈdʒɪtəmaɪz/
verb
  1. To make something legal or acceptable according to rules or laws.
    • Many people hope the treaty will legitimize the disputed border.
    • The company tried to legitimize its business practices by getting a government license.
    • The new law will legitimize same-sex marriage in the country.
  2. To make something seem reasonable or proper, even if it was not before.
    • The study attempted to legitimize the use of alternative medicine.
    • By citing expert opinions, she tried to legitimize her controversial argument.
    • His apology helped legitimize his actions in the eyes of the public.
What does "legitimize" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean