To de-legitimize something is to strip it of its legitimacy, its rightful authority, or its valid claim. This action undermines the accepted truth, validity, or fairness of a person, institution, concept, or action. It involves challenging the foundations upon which legitimacy rests, questioning its justification, and often aiming to undermine its influence or acceptance within a particular context. De-legitimization frequently relies on exposing inconsistencies, flaws, biases, or contradictions to erode public trust and support. The process might involve accusations, revelations, or organized campaigns to discredit or invalidate an entity or idea. This is often carried out in a very political and often strategic manner to achieve a desired outcome.
De-legitimized meaning with examples
- The independent investigation into the company's practices was released, revealing widespread ethical breaches. This report, which contained irrefutable evidence of financial wrongdoing, effectively de-legitimized the CEO’s previous claims of transparency and responsible corporate citizenship. Consequently, investors lost confidence, share prices plummeted, and a call for the board to remove the CEO became the loudest voice in the room. The investigation aimed to reduce his standing.
- The regime's human rights abuses, documented by international observers, de-legitimized their claim to represent the people's will. Their violent suppression of dissent and unfair elections led to sanctions and diplomatic isolation from the international community. Those actions have led to increased support for the opposition and internal resistance within the country. The abuses served as a constant reminder to the international community.
- Conspiracy theories, often circulated online without credible evidence, can be used to **de-legitimize** scientific consensus on important topics like vaccinations or climate change. By spreading misinformation and doubt, these theories erode public trust in established institutions and research, fostering skepticism and potentially harmful decisions. The attacks are designed to damage the public trust by spreading misinformation.
- The constant barrage of negative campaign ads attacking the candidate's character aimed to **de-legitimize** his qualifications for office. Accusations of incompetence, dishonesty, and conflicts of interest, whether factual or not, made people question his ability to lead. This strategy was used in the hope that it would sway voters away from supporting his candidacy in the election.
- The court's refusal to hear evidence of electoral fraud by a losing party can be viewed as an attempt to **de-legitimize** the results of an election. The rejection of that particular evidence can erode public faith in the fairness of the voting process, prompting protests and questioning the legitimacy of the government. This refusal is seen as a way to shield those in power and ensure the process is rigged.