civilize

especially British, civ·i·lise

[siv-uh-lahyz]

verb (used with object)

civilized, civilizing 

1. to bring out of a savage, uneducated, or rude state; make civil; elevate in social and private life; enlighten; refine.

   Rome civilized the barbarians.

   Synonyms: sophisticate, polish, instruct, teach, educate

civilize

/ ˈsɪvɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to bring out of savagery or barbarism into a state characteristic of civilization

2. to refine, educate, or enlighten

Other Word Forms

• civilizable adjective
• civilizatory adjective
• civilizer noun
• decivilize verb (used with object)
• noncivilizable adjective
• overcivilize verb
• uncivilizable adjective
• uncivilize verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of civilize¹

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

Example Sentences

“You want to know what’s happening? Act civilized, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what’s happening in the region.”

From Los Angeles Times

“In a civilized society, I don’t think the death penalty should ever be an option.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Dogfighting is a vicious and cruel crime that has no place in a civilized society,” U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

“In a normal civilized country, who would be able to accept that we invest the money while the U.S. takes 90% of the profits?“ he asked.

From Los Angeles Times

We were no longer simple and primitive, in desperate need of the civilizing stewardship of white Christian slave owners.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquaint 
• enlighten 
• ennoble 
• humanize 
• idealize 
• refine 
• sophisticate 
• tame