( BrE also le·git·im·ise ) / lɪˈdʒɪtəmaɪz; NAmE / verb [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
to make sth that is wrong or unfair seem acceptable :
The movie has been criticized for apparently legitimizing violence.
2.
to make sth legal
SYN legalize
3.
to give a child whose parents are not married to each other the same rights as those whose parents are