bastardize

American  

[bas-ter-dahyz] / ˈbæs tərˌdaɪz /

especially British, bastardise

verb (used with object)

bastardized, bastardizing

1. to lower in condition or worth; debase.

   hybrid works that neither preserve nor bastardize existing art forms.

2. to declare or prove (someone) to be a bastard.

3. Australian. to harass or humiliate as part of initiation into a college or regiment.

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verb (used without object)

bastardized, bastardizing

1. to become debased.

bastardize British  

/ ˈbæs-, ˈbɑːstəˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to debase; corrupt

2. archaic to declare illegitimate

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Other Word Forms

• bastardization noun
• unbastardized adjective

Etymology

Origin of bastardize

First recorded in 1580–90; bastard + -ize

Example Sentences

But the posts I'm most drawn to feature pizza — the practically universal American comfort food that we love to bastardize.

From Salon • Oct. 18, 2022

“I feel like many people don’t realize that they bastardize ASL, and it harms more than it helps,” Bienvenu told Amanda.

From New York Times • Jul. 27, 2022

“If we bastardize Congress, we’re also bastardizing our country,” Cayetano said in his video message.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2020

“If we bastardize Congress, we’re also bastardizing our country,” Cayetano said in his video message.

From Washington Times • Oct. 13, 2020

The law is so indulgent as not to bastardize the child, if born, though not begotten, in lawful wedlock.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah