civilize

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See also civilise

Contents

[edit] English

[edit] Alternative spellings

[edit] Etymology

From Latin civis

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to civilize

Third person singular
civilizes

Simple past
civilized

Past participle
civilized

Present participle
civilizing

to civilize (third-person singular simple present civilizes, present participle civilizing, simple past and past participle civilized)

  1. Educate or enlighten a person or people to a perceived higher standard of behaviour
  2. Introduce or impose the standards of one civilization upon another civilization, group or person, arguably with the intent of achieving a perceived higher standard of behaviour
  3. Bring from a state of savagery to an educated or refined state

[edit] Usage notes

Historical or politically different usage

Webster's 1828 Dictionary: To reclaim from a savage state; to introduce civility of manners among a people, and instruct them in the arts of regular life.

[edit] Related terms

[edit] Translations

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