To delegitimize is to undermine the legitimacy or validity of something, often an institution, idea, claim, or person. This process involves questioning or discrediting the basis upon which that thing is perceived as rightful or genuine. It can occur through various means, including the dissemination of misinformation, the exposure of hypocrisy, the revelation of unethical practices, or a systematic assault on its foundational principles. The goal of delegitimization is to erode trust and acceptance, making the target vulnerable to challenge or rejection. This can have far-reaching consequences, impacting political stability, social cohesion, and individual actions.
Delegitimized meaning with examples
- The investigation into the corporation's practices delegitimized their claims of ethical conduct, as evidence of fraud and corruption surfaced, shattering public trust in their brand and leadership. This significantly impacted their stock value and customer loyalty, leading to a decline in their overall influence.
- Conspiracy theories and rumors designed to delegitimize the election results spread rapidly online, resulting in distrust of the democratic process and a sense of unrest among the population. This heightened the divide in political parties, and ultimately damaged the government's ability to function effectively.
- Activists worked tirelessly to delegitimize the oppressive regime's authority by documenting human rights violations and sharing them internationally. These efforts successfully pressured the UN and other global bodies to impose sanctions and further diplomatic pressures to weaken the regime's power.
- By repeatedly questioning the accuracy and motivations of scientific studies, the politician attempted to delegitimize climate change science. This resulted in some people doubting the need for environmental policy reforms that would have slowed global warming and environmental decline.
- When the media revealed the athlete's history of cheating, they effectively delegitimized his sporting achievements and accomplishments. He lost sponsorships, titles, and his reputation as a fair competitor, causing him to disappear from the sport entirely.