legitimize /lɪˈdʒɪtɪˌmaɪz/ star1 TEM8 (alsolegitimatize)

• 1.  

  V-T（及物动词） To legitimize something, especially something bad, means to officially allow it, approve it, or make it seem acceptable. 使(尤其是坏事)合法化; 正式批准(或认可) [正式]

  例：

  They will accept no agreement that legitimizes the ethnic division of the country.

  他们不会接受任何使国家民族分裂合法化的协议。