delegitimate
Remove official standing
Delegitimate means to strip something of its legitimacy or authority—to undermine its claim to being valid, lawful, or acceptable.
The word typically appears in political or institutional contexts: The opposition sought to delegitimate the election results.
To delegitimate a government, institution, or practice is to challenge its right to exist or operate.
The more common form is delegitimize, which carries the same meaning.
Make of no effect
- annulDeclare legally void
- voidWithout legal effect
- invalidateMake null or void
- repealAnnul a statute
rescind · abrogate · quash · overturn · revoke · vacate · negate · strike down
Weaken by stealth
- smearSpread or defame
- defameHarm reputation falsely
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
besmirch · impugn · vilify · disparage · denigrate · malign · libel · decry
Illegal power seizer
- coupAbrupt seizure of power
- overthrowForcible removal from power
- regime changeReplacement of governing power
- deposeRemove from authority
dethrone · oust · topple · puppet government · junta · power grab · forced abdication · rebellion
Make unsteady or insecure
- election denialDisputing official vote outcomes
- voter suppressionTactics discouraging ballot access
- gerrymanderingManipulating electoral boundaries strategically
- disenfranchiseRevoke civic participation rights
constitutional crisis · impeachment · no confidence · obstruction · factionalism · extremism · polarization · misinformation
Not identified or acknowledged
- unauthorizedNot officially permitted
- unsanctionedNot officially permitted
- unofficialNot formally recognized
- disputedArgued over, unresolved
contested · questionable · dubious · fraudulent · spurious · bogus · sham · puppet state
nullify
Make of no effect
- annulDeclare legally void
- voidWithout legal effect
- invalidateMake null or void
repeal · rescind · abrogate · quash · overturn · revoke · vacate · negate · strike down · unconstitutional
undermine
Weaken by stealth
tarnish · besmirch · impugn · vilify · disparage · denigrate · malign · libel · decry · disinformation
usurper
Illegal power seizer
- coupAbrupt seizure of power
- overthrowForcible removal from power
- regime changeReplacement of governing power
depose · dethrone · oust · topple · puppet government · junta · power grab · forced abdication · rebellion · insurrection
destabilize
Make unsteady or insecure
- election denialDisputing official vote outcomes
- voter suppressionTactics discouraging ballot access
- gerrymanderingManipulating electoral boundaries strategically
disenfranchise · constitutional crisis · impeachment · no confidence · obstruction · factionalism · extremism · polarization · misinformation · conspiracy theory
unrecognized
Not identified or acknowledged
- unauthorizedNot officially permitted
- unsanctionedNot officially permitted
- unofficialNot formally recognized
disputed · contested · questionable · dubious · fraudulent · spurious · bogus · sham · puppet state · breakaway
delegitimatelegitimate
Conforming to accepted standards
legitimize · validate · authorize · sanction · endorse
delegitimatelegitimize
Make lawful or valid
vindicate · rehabilitate · validate · champion · uphold