civilize

[ siv-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

civilized, civilizing.

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 Word Forms

• 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 surrendering their dignity and self-respect by kowtowing to Trump, he gives them something in return: a permission slip to break the moral code of civilized society.

From Salon

This wild and impolitic work startled civilized Parisian salons with what sounded like sheer ugliness.

From Los Angeles Times

“Eric is a cultured, wealthy and American man, therefore the maximum of a person that we define as civilized,” Delprino said in an email.

From Los Angeles Times

Smith seems to want to say something about the civilizing influence of women and their survival in a world of unruly and domineering men.

From Los Angeles Times

White Christian Nationalism supported White-on-Black chattel slavery and saw it as part of the “civilizing” mission for Christians.

From Salon

Related Words

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