civilize

(sivə līz′)

transitive verb, intransitive verb civilized, civilizing

  1. to bring or come out of a primitive or savage condition and into a state of civilization
  2. to improve in habits or manners; refine

Origin: Fr civiliser < L civilis: see civil & -ize: lit. etym. sense, “to make citified”

Related Forms:

See civilize in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb civ·i·lized, civ·i·liz·ing, civ·i·liz·es
  1. To raise from barbarism to an enlightened stage of development; bring out of a primitive or savage state.
  2. To educate in matters of culture and refinement; make more polished or sophisticated.

Related Forms:

  • civˈi·lizˌa·ble adjective
  • civˈi·lizˌer noun

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