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civilize

 - 3 dictionary results

civ⋅i⋅lize

  [siv-uh-lahyz]
Use civilize in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), -lized, -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.
Also, especially British, civ⋅i⋅lise.

Origin:
1595–1605; < F civiliser; see civil, -ize

Related forms:
civ⋅i⋅liz⋅a⋅ble, adjective
civ⋅i⋅liz⋅a⋅to⋅ry  [siv-uh-lahy-zuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] , adjective
civ⋅i⋅liz⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
educate, teach, instruct, polish, sophisticate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To civilize
civ·i·lize   (sĭv'ə-līz')   
tr.v.   civ·i·lized, civ·i·liz·ing, civ·i·liz·es

  1. To raise from barbarism to an enlightened stage of development; bring out of a primitive or savage state.

  2. To educate in matters of culture and refinement; make more polished or sophisticated.

civ'i·liz'a·ble adj., civ'i·liz'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

civilize 
1601, from Fr. civiliser, lit. "to make citified," from O.Fr. civil, from L. civilis (see civil).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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