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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.

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