civilize

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Alternative spellings 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Verb 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Related terms 1.3.3 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Alternative spellings

• civilise (mostly British)

[edit] Etymology

From Latin civis

[edit] Verb

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

• civilization
• civil
• city
• civitas
• civilian
• citizen

[edit] Translations