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

To bastardize that infamous Herbert Hoover political ad, there was a time that it seemed like there was a chicken in every Instant Pot.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2023

“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

And were we to suppose his estate in his power to bequeath as he pleases; why should a man resolve, for the gratifying of his foolish humour only, to bastardize his race?

From Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 4 by Richardson, Samuel