civilize

American  

[siv-uh-lahyz] / ˈsɪv əˌlaɪz /

especially British, civilise

verb (used with object)

civilized, civilizing

1. to bring out of a savage, uneducated, or rude state; make civil; elevate in social and private life; enlighten; refine.

   Rome civilized the barbarians.

   Synonyms:

   sophisticate, polish, instruct, teach, educate

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civilize British  

/ ˈsɪvɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to bring out of savagery or barbarism into a state characteristic of civilization

2. to refine, educate, or enlighten

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Other Word Forms

• civilizable
  adjective
• civilizatory
  adjective
• civilizer
  noun
• decivilize
  verb (used with object)
• noncivilizable
  adjective
• overcivilize
  verb
• uncivilizable
  adjective
• uncivilize
  verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of civilize

1595–1605; < French civiliser; see civil, -ize

Explanation

To civilize is to make someone or something more tame or refined, and less wild. You might try to civilize your younger brother by teaching him some table manners. You can attempt to civilize your crazy dog, so you can invite people over without having her jump on them and chew on their shoes. You can also civilize a person by teaching them to be more sophisticated or tasteful: "My aunt tried to civilize me by taking me to museums and ballets, but I preferred watching professional wrestling on TV." The Latin word civilis is at the root of civilized, meaning "befitting a citizen" or "courteous."

Related Words

• acquaint
• enlighten
• ennoble
• humanize
• idealize
• refine
• sophisticate
• tame