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

While this can prove tricky for famous estates and those looking to capitalize from someone else’s legacy, it ensures that beloved works can live forever, even if it’s in some loony, bastardized way.

From Salon

"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

So I do think, yeah, to a degree I bring stuff from that show into, certainly "Someone You Love," the bit that that is taken from is a kind of bastardized version of that sentiment.

From Salon