bastardize

American  

[bas-ter-dahyz] / ˈbæs tərˌdaɪz /

especially British, bastardise

verb (used with object)

bastardized, bastardizing

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.

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verb (used without object)

bastardized, bastardizing

1. to become debased.

bastardize British  

/ ˈbæs-, ˈbɑːstəˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to debase; corrupt

2. archaic  to declare illegitimate

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Other Word Forms

• bastardization noun
• unbastardized adjective

Etymology

Origin of bastardize

First recorded in 1580–90; bastard + -ize

Example Sentences

"Almost every relationship in my life would be bastardized and disingenuous because I couldn’t tell them what was going on. My son has never taken a walk outside — in five months," she said.

From Salon

You simply had — to bastardize a phrase popularized by Timothy Leary — to turn in, tune out and drop out.

From Salon

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