delegitimization
Undermining perceived validity
Delegitimization is the process of undermining something's legitimacy or rightful status.
Governments delegitimize opposition movements; critics delegitimize institutions by questioning their authority or validity.
The term appears frequently in political discourse: The campaign engaged in deliberate delegitimization of the election results.
Also spelled delegitimisation in British English.
Weakening by covert means
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
- smearSpread or defame
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
disparagement · denigration · vilification · impugning · besmirching · tarnishing · character assassination · mudslinging
Formal cancellation of validity
- disqualificationRemoval from eligibility
- revocationOfficial cancellation of privilege
- annulmentDeclared void from start
- repudiationFormal refusal to accept
disavowal · rejection · voiding · abrogation · rescission · cancellation · repeal · negation
Replacement of governing power
- coupAbrupt seizure of power
- overthrowForcible removal from power
- insurgencyArmed uprising against authority
- revolutionViolent governmental overthrow
dissent · opposition · protest movement · resistance · civil disobedience · separatism · secession · sovereignty
Severe disapproval expressed formally
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- criticismJudgment of faults
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
repudiation · excoriation · castigation · indictment · opprobrium · boycott · rejection · protest
Intentional deceptive falsehoods
- misinformationFalse data spread unintentionally
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- distortionTwisting from original state
fabrication · psyops · agitprop · brainwashing · indoctrination · demagoguery · gaslighting · narrative warfare
undermining
Weakening by covert means
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
- smearSpread or defame
- slanderSpoken false defamation
libel · disparagement · denigration · vilification · impugning · besmirching · tarnishing · character assassination · mudslinging · calumny
nullification
Formal cancellation of validity
- disqualificationRemoval from eligibility
- revocationOfficial cancellation of privilege
- annulmentDeclared void from start
repudiation · disavowal · rejection · voiding · abrogation · rescission · cancellation · repeal · negation · countermanding
regime change
Replacement of governing power
- coupAbrupt seizure of power
- overthrowForcible removal from power
- insurgencyArmed uprising against authority
revolution · dissent · opposition · protest movement · resistance · civil disobedience · separatism · secession · sovereignty · colonialism
condemnation
Severe disapproval expressed formally
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- criticismJudgment of faults
- reproachExpression of disappointment
disapproval · repudiation · excoriation · castigation · indictment · opprobrium · boycott · rejection · protest · opposition
disinformation
Intentional deceptive falsehoods
- misinformationFalse data spread unintentionally
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
distortion · fabrication · psyops · agitprop · brainwashing · indoctrination · demagoguery · gaslighting · narrative warfare · information warfare
- oppressionoppression, tyranny, racism, repression, secret police
- unrestriot, uprising, riots, revolt, civil unrest
- vilificationvilification, vilifying, demonizing, demonisation, demonize
delegitimizationlegitimization
Formal recognition as valid
legitimation · validation · authorization · authentication · sanctioning
delegitimizationendorsement
Formal expression of support
vindication · affirmation · normalization · acceptance · recognition
legitimate, legit, illegitimate, legitimacy, legitimize, legitimation, illegitimately, delegitimize, delegitimized