civilize

[ siv-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈsɪv əˌlaɪz /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR civilize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), civ·i·lized, civ·i·liz·ing.

to bring out of a savage, uneducated, or rude state; make civil; elevate in social and private life; enlighten; refine: Rome civilized the barbarians.

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Also especially British, civ·i·lise .

Origin of civilize

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

OTHER WORDS FROM civilize

Words nearby civilize

Civilian Conservation Corps, civilianize, civilian review board, civility, civilization, civilize, civilized, civil law, civil libertarian, civil liberties, civil liberty
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to civilize

ennoble, acquaint, sophisticate, tame, humanize, refine, idealize, enlighten, advance, educate, edify, elevate, acculturate, enrich, indoctrinate, better, inform, instruct, foster, polish

Example sentences from the Web for civilize

British Dictionary definitions for civilize

civilize

civilise

/ (ˈsɪvɪˌlaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to bring out of savagery or barbarism into a state characteristic of civilization
to refine, educate, or enlighten

Derived forms of civilize

civilizable or civilisable, adjectivecivilizer or civiliser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012