What does legitimation mean?
Legitimation names the process through which something is established as legitimate: valid, lawful, justified, or accepted by the relevant authorities and the wider public. It may describe a formal legal act, such as granting a government or institution legal recognition, but it also has a broader political and social meaning. In this sense, legitimization concerns how authority is justified and how people are persuaded to regard established power as rightful. The word is often used in discussions of constitutions, elections, institutions, and political movements. It can imply either the successful completion of that process or the means by which legitimacy is obtained. Because “legitimation” focuses on the act of establishing validity or acceptance, it differs from “legitimacy,” which refers to the resulting quality or status.
nounLegitimation is the process of making something legitimate, recognized, or accepted as valid. It can refer specifically to the act or process of giving something legal status or to the ways in which authority, institutions, or practices are justified and accepted.
- The act or process of making something legitimate or legally valid.
- The process by which a person, institution, political system, or practice is recognized as justified or acceptable.
- The process of establishing or conferring authority or a rightful claim.
"The new constitution played a central role in the legitimization of the government."
"The tribunal’s decision was intended to provide legitimization for the disputed election."
"The ceremony served to legitimize the new leadership in the eyes of the public."
Plural forms are uncommon, as the word is normally used in the singular or in fixed expressions such as “political legitimization.”
"The two legitimations followed different legal procedures."
Legitimation is how power persuades people that it has the right to rule.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does legitimation come from?
Legitimation comes through French from Latin legitimatio, a noun formed from legitimus, meaning “lawful” or “according to law.” The underlying root combines lex, “law,” with a suffix meaning “based on” or “according to.” English borrowed related forms such as legitimate, legitimacy, and legitimize, which developed the word’s modern legal, political, and social meanings.
Related word forms
How legitimation is actually used
The term is most common in political, legal, and social contexts. In general writing, “validation,” “authorization,” or “recognition” may sound more accessible. The spelling “legitimization” is also common, especially in American academic and political usage.
Easily confused with legitimation
Legitimation is the process of establishing or accepting legitimacy, whereas legitimacy is the resulting state of being valid, justified, or accepted as rightful.
Legalization specifically concerns making something lawful, while legitimimation can also involve social, political, or moral acceptance.