detribalize

[ dee-trahy-buh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·trib·al·ized, de·trib·al·iz·ing.

1. to cause to lose tribal allegiances and customs, chiefly through contact with another culture.

detribalize

/ diːˈtraɪbəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to cause members of a tribe to lose their characteristic customs or social, religious, or other organizational features
2. to cause tribal people to adopt urban ways of life

Derived Forms

• deˌtribaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• de·tribal·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of detribalize¹

First recorded in 1915–20; de- + tribal + -ize

Example Sentences

But his arguments about how “detribalized” we’ve become are undeniably strong.

From New York Times