bastardize

[ bas-ter-dahyz ]
/ ˈbæs tərˌdaɪz /

verb (used with object), bas·tard·ized, bas·tard·iz·ing.

to lower in condition or worth; debase: hybrid works that neither preserve nor bastardize existing art forms.
to declare or prove (someone) to be a bastard.
Australian. to harass or humiliate as part of initiation into a college or regiment.

verb (used without object), bas·tard·ized, bas·tard·iz·ing.

to become debased.
Also especially British, bas·tard·ise.

Origin of bastardize

First recorded in 1580–90; bastard + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM bastardize

bas·tard·i·za·tion, noun un·bas·tard·ized, adjective

Words nearby bastardize

bastard toadflax, bastard turtle, bastard wing, bastard-saw, bastardization, bastardize, bastardly, bastardry, bastardy, baste, bastel house

British Dictionary definitions for bastardization (1 of 2)

bastardization

bastardisation

/ (ˌbɑːstədaɪˈzeɪʃən, ˌbæs-) /

noun

the act of bastardizing
Australian
  1. an initiation ceremony in a school or military unit, esp one involving brutality
  2. brutality or bullying

British Dictionary definitions for bastardization (2 of 2)

bastardize

bastardise

/ (ˈbɑːstəˌdaɪz, ˈbæs-) /

verb (tr)

to debase; corrupt
archaic to declare illegitimate