Legitimized

To make legitimate; to grant legal status or validity to something that previously lacked it. This involves establishing the acceptance of something, whether an idea, action, person, or institution, as being in accordance with established rules, standards, or laws. The process of legitimization often involves official recognition, societal approval, or the removal of previous restrictions or prohibitions. It implies the process of verifying or demonstrating the soundness of something, and giving it a right to exist or operate. This can also imply to justify something, providing evidence to support its existence or acceptance.

Legitimized meaning with examples

• The government, after years of debate, Legitimized same-sex marriage through a landmark ruling. This granted legal recognition and protection to same-sex couples, allowing them the same rights as heterosexual couples, fundamentally changing the societal norms around marriage in that region. This decision brought forth both celebration and controversy from different segments of the population.
• Historical research played a key role in *legitimizing* claims of indigenous land rights. Through meticulous documentation and analysis, researchers provided evidence to support these claims, challenging existing power structures and opening the door to negotiations and potential reparations. The acknowledgment from the legal and political systems brought about the rights to these populations.
• The introduction of evidence-based medicine Legitimized new medical practices. Thorough clinical trials and scientific research provided the data needed to validate the use of new treatments and procedures. This move from anecdotal evidence to scientific rigour resulted in increased confidence, and greater patient outcomes by making those practices official.
• The artist's controversial techniques were Legitimized over time as the art market saw the value in the innovative ideas. Initially criticized, as the critics were not able to see the value, they eventually gained recognition and appreciation as the market understood the ideas. The shift in perspective from rejection to acceptance, proved that artistic value can come from various expressions.