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Definition of Civilize
1. Verb. Teach or refine to be discriminative in taste or judgment. "She is well schooled in poetry"
Generic synonyms: Down, Fine-tune, Polish, Refine
Specialized synonyms: Sophisticate
Derivative terms: Civilisation, Civilization, Cultivation, Education
2. Verb. Raise from a barbaric to a civilized state. "The wild child found wandering in the forest was gradually civilized"
Generic synonyms: Alter, Change, Modify
Derivative terms: Civilisation, Civilization
Definition of Civilize
1. v. t. To reclaim from a savage state; to instruct in the rules and customs of civilization; to educate; to refine.
Definition of Civilize
1. Verb. (alternative spelling of civilise) ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Civilize
1. to bring out of savagery [v -LIZED, -LIZING, -LIZES]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Civilize
Literary usage of Civilize
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Works by Washington Irving (1893)
"... STUYVESANT LABORED TO civilize THE COMMUNITY—HOW HE WAS A GREAT PROMOTER OF
HOLIDAYS—HOW HE INSTITUTED KISSING ON NEW YEAR'S DAY-HOW HE DISTRIBUTED ..."
2. The Monthly Review by Ralph Griffiths (1830)
"... how to civilize the natives by an improved administration of existing means.
By S. Bannister, late Attorney-General in New South Wales. 8vo. pp. ..."
3. A Second Visit to the United States of North America by Charles Lyell (1849)
"Involuntary Efforts of the Whites to civilize the Negroes.—New Statute in Georgia
against Black Mechanics.—The Effects of speedy Emancipation and the free ..."
4. Scotland by Walter Scott, Mayo Williamson Hazeltine (1899)
"... Sprot the Notary—An Attempt to civilize the Hebrides—It is unsuccessful SINCE
the king had attained a decisive victory over the discontented churchmen, ..."
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