civilize

[ siv-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, civ·i·lized, civ·i·liz·ing.

1. to bring out of a savage, uneducated, or rude state; make civil; elevate in social and private life; enlighten; refine:

   Rome civilized the barbarians.

   Synonyms: sophisticate, polish, instruct, teach, educate

civilize

/ ˈsɪvɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to bring out of savagery or barbarism into a state characteristic of civilization
2. to refine, educate, or enlighten

Derived Forms

• ˈciviˌlizable, adjective
• ˈciviˌlizer, noun

Other Words From

• civi·liza·ble adjective
• civ·i·liz·a·to·ry [siv-, uh, -, lahy, -z, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• civi·lizer noun
• de·civi·lize verb (used with object) decivilized decivilizing
• non·civi·liza·ble adjective
• over·civi·lize verb overcivilized overcivilizing
• un·civi·liza·ble adjective
• un·civi·lize verb (used with object) uncivilized uncivilizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of civilize¹

1595–1605; < French civiliser; civil, -ize

Example Sentences

“In a civilized society, what does violence get you?”

From Los Angeles Times

Only the Jedi are deemed civilized, and therefore their orthodoxy of the Force should be imposed on others for their own good.

From Salon

Shocking because violence is no way for a civilized people to mediate their political differences.

From Los Angeles Times

We sense early on, from Mortensen’s delicate handling of their courtship, that this isn’t some musty rehash of the trope where she civilizes him and he domesticates her.

From Los Angeles Times

For Roman-era writers such as Tacitus, the region was beyond the edge of the civilized world, known only through unreliable second-hand reports.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• acquaint
• enlighten
• ennoble
• humanize
• idealize
• refine
• sophisticate
• tame