civilize
- to bring out of a savage, uneducated, or rude state; make civil; elevate in social and private life; enlighten; refine: Rome civilized the barbarians.
Origin of civilize
Synonyms for civilize
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for civilize
ennoble, acquaint, sophisticate, tame, humanize, refine, idealize, enlighten, advance, educate, edify, elevate, acculturate, enrich, indoctrinate, better, inform, instruct, foster, polishExamples from the Web for civilize
Contemporary Examples of civilize
An Army veteran looks at the fall of Mosul and recalls his own time there trying to civilize the land with guns and money.
It means destroying Bedouin villages in the place where Jews civilize the desert.
Consider it part of the mission to civilize, a necessary part of the process to start solving problems again in Washington.
In the old days, colonial occupiers had what the French called “a mission to civilize.”
Historical Examples of civilize
Was it found necessary to civilize a wild and extensive province?
It is Art that is going to civilize mankind; broaden his sympathies.
All Roads Lead to CalvaryJerome K. Jerome
He looked like some old Roman consul going out to govern and civilize.
IT and Other StoriesGouverneur Morris
Some canting hypocrites are whining for us to civilize the Indians.
A Virginia ScoutHugh Pendexter
Was it possible to teach them right and wrong, to Christianize, or even to civilize them?
The Story of John G. PatonJames Paton
civilize
civilise
- to bring out of savagery or barbarism into a state characteristic of civilization
- to refine, educate, or enlighten
Word Origin and History for civilize
c.1600, "to bring out of barbarism," from French civiliser, verb from Old French civil (adj.), from Latin civilis "relating to a citizen, relating to public life, befitting a citizen; popular, affable, courteous" (see civil). Meaning "become civilized" is from 1868. Related: Civilized; civilizing.