relegitimize
Make valid again
To relegitimize is to restore legitimacy to something that lost it—a government, institution, practice, or idea that fell into disrepute or illegality.
The prefix re- signals a return to former standing: Critics argued the treaty would relegitimize the regime.
The word appears most often in political and diplomatic contexts.
Return to previous position
- reestablishRestore after interruption
- rehabilitateReturn to good condition
- restoreReturn to earlier state
- recoverRegain health or possession
reclaim · rebuild · reconstitute · resurrect · revive · redeem · rectify · remedy
Confirm continued legitimacy
- reaffirmState again with conviction
- reconfirmVerify something previously established
- recertifyValidate credentials anew
- reauthenticateVerify identity again
reverify · substantiate · corroborate · authenticate · verify · certify · attest · vindicate
Receive again after refusal
- reembraceHug someone again
- readmitAllow reentry after exclusion
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
endorsement · approval · consent · tolerance · reconciliation · reintegration · amnesty · forgiveness
System of governance
- governmentAuthority over a state
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
rule · power · leadership · election · referendum · constitution · reform · succession
reinstate
Return to previous position
- reestablishRestore after interruption
- rehabilitateReturn to good condition
- restoreReturn to earlier state
recover · reclaim · rebuild · reconstitute · resurrect · revive · redeem · rectify · remedy · repair
revalidate
Confirm continued legitimacy
- reaffirmState again with conviction
- reconfirmVerify something previously established
- recertifyValidate credentials anew
reauthenticate · reverify · substantiate · corroborate · authenticate · verify · certify · attest · vindicate · uphold
reaccept
Receive again after refusal
- reembraceHug someone again
- readmitAllow reentry after exclusion
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
acknowledgment · endorsement · approval · consent · tolerance · reconciliation · reintegration · amnesty · forgiveness · absolution
regime
System of governance
- governmentAuthority over a state
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
sovereignty · rule · power · leadership · election · referendum · constitution · reform · succession · transition
court
Trial venue or sports surface
ruling · judgment · decree · adjudication · tribunal · precedent · acquittal · remand · litigation · judicial
relegitimizedelegitimize
Deny rightful authority
delegitimate · invalidate · discredit · undermine · destabilize