delegittimare

to delegitimize, to undermine authority

verb deh-leh-jeet-tee-MAH-reh Rare

Usage Note

Delegittimare is used heavily in Italian political journalism to describe efforts to strip an institution or leader of perceived legitimacy. Delegittimare le istituzioni ('to delegitimize the institutions') is a common political charge. The reflexive delegittimarsi means to discredit oneself. Takes avere as auxiliary.

Examples

"Certi discorsi tendono a delegittimare i magistrati."

Natural Translation

Certain speeches tend to delegitimize the magistrates.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Italian Numbers 1 to 100: Count Like a Local

Learn Italian numbers 1 to 100 by mastering 0-20, the tens, and 3 spelling rules so you can generate any number from ventuno to novantanove on demand.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene: I Love You in Italian

Ti amo is romantic love; ti voglio bene is tender affection for family and close friends. Here's exactly who to say each phrase to in Italian.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Hand Gestures: Meanings & When to Use

Italian hand gestures decoded: what the pinched fingers, cheek screw, and chin flick mean, which ones are safe to use, and the one gesture to never make.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Restaurant Etiquette: Mistakes to Avoid

Skip the cappuccino after dinner, never put parmesan on fish, and learn the exact Italian phrases to order gracefully and avoid looking like a tourist.

June 5, 2026 5 min read