civilianize

[ si-vil-yuh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ci·vil·ian·ized, ci·vil·ian·iz·ing.

1. to assign to civilians or place under civilian direction or control:

   a decision to civilianize the teaching of history at the naval academy.

2. to make less military in form or character:

   He charged that the union movement is civilianizing the army.

civilianize

/ sɪˈvɪljəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. tr to change the status of (an armed force, a base, etc) from military to nonmilitary

Other Words From

• ci·vilian·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of civilianize¹

First recorded in 1865–70; civilian + -ize