legitimate meaning and definition

LEGITIMATE verb

Definition of legitimate (verb)

1. make legal
   • "Marijuana should be legalized"
   • synonyms: decriminalise, decriminalize, legalise, legalize, legitimatise, legitimatize, legitimise, legitimize
   • antonym: criminalise
2. show or affirm to be just and legitimate
3. make (an illegitimate child) legitimate; declare the legitimacy of (someone)
   • "They legitimized their natural child"

LEGITIMATE adjective

Definition of legitimate (adjective)

1. of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful
   • antonym: illegitimate
2. based on known statements or events or conditions
   • "rain was a logical expectation, given the time of year"
   • synonyms: logical
3. in accordance with recognized or accepted standards or principles
   • "legitimate advertising practices"
4. authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law
   • "a legitimate government"
   • synonyms: lawful, licit