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civilize Definition

civi·lize (siv′ə līz′)

transitive verb, intransitive verb -·lized′, -·liz′·ing

  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

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

civilize Related Forms

civ′i·liz′·able adjective civ′i·lized′ adjective

civilize Synonyms

civilize

v.

enlighten, cultivate, enrich, reclaim, refine, render civil, acculturate, polish, sophisticate, spiritualize, humanize, socialize, edify, uplift, tame, foster, instruct, ethicize, reclaim from barbarism, promote, help forward, better materially, make gentle, acquaint with culture, indoctrinate, elevate, educate, teach, advance, ennoble; see also develop 1, improve 1, teach 1.

civilize Usage Examples

Object

  • mission: Muir's Examination exemplified even better than Wilkinson's " hard sayings " the classic " civilizing mission " justification for colonialism.
  • influence: The presence of large numbers of women in public life is slowly having a civilizing influence.
  • process: A major step in the civilizing process is the move toward an agrarian society.
  • force: Trust was high, in institutions, beliefs, governments, and the civilizing force of a world order governed by law.
  • mabel: To civilize mabel emotionally abused without the summer season.
  • man: The truth about the meat on your plate " First it was necessary to civilize man in relation to man.