civilize

[ siv-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈsɪv əˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object), civ·i·lized, civ·i·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 of civilize

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

SYNONYMS FOR civilize

educate, teach, instruct, polish, sophisticate.

OTHER WORDS FROM civilize

Words nearby civilize

civilian conservation corps, civilian review board, civilianize, civility, civilization, civilize, civilized, civilly, civils, civism, civitan

Example sentences from the Web for civilised

British Dictionary definitions for civilised

civilize

civilise

/ (ˈsɪvɪˌlaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to bring out of savagery or barbarism into a state characteristic of civilization
to refine, educate, or enlighten

Derived forms of civilize

civilizable or civilisable, adjective civilizer or civiliser, noun