civilize
verb (used with object)
to bring out of a savage, uneducated, or rude state; make civil; elevate in social and private life; enlighten; refine.
civilizing
-
present participleof civilize.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Heaney was born with a subject he often resisted, and “Digging” turns away from violence to the civilizing necessity of work.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 21, 2025
Smith seems to want to say something about the civilizing influence of women and their survival in a world of unruly and domineering men.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 9, 2025
“They believed that their society was making progress, that it was gaining greater control over nature, that they were becoming more civilized and were civilizing the environment around them,” Golinski said.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 26, 2023
The French called this aspect of imperialism “the civilizing mission.”
From Textbooks ● Dec. 14, 2022
Cinna and Portia seem to have a civilizing effect on Haymitch and Effie.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
