bastardize

[ bas-ter-dahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, bas·tard·ized, bas·tard·iz·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, bas·tard·ized, bas·tard·iz·ing.

1. to become debased.

bastardize

/ ˈbæs-; ˈbɑːstəˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to debase; corrupt
2. archaic.
   to declare illegitimate

Other Words From

• bastard·i·zation noun
• un·bastard·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bastardize¹

First recorded in 1580–90; bastard + -ize

Example Sentences

Megan objected to the anecdote on social media, accusing Harris of trying to "reinvent history" and "bastardize his memory."

From Salon

For example, AI could bastardize traditional recipes and methods, since AI is prone to stereotyping, for example flattening or oversimplifying cultural details and distinctions.

From Salon

Harris-Walz are reclaiming flags and “freedom” as the language of patriotism, displayed in giant block letters behind many speakers who talked about how Republicans have bastardized both.

From Salon

Alito and Thomas, batting for theocracy, have consistently bastardized the Establishment Clause into a tool for inflicting their own religion onto others, exactly the opposite of what Thomas Jefferson counseled.

From Salon

Nor are the money-first apparatchiks of the Olympic movement likely to give up on their bastardized vision of SafeSport without a fight.

From Salon