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Webster 1913 Edition

Civilize

Civ′i-lize

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Civilized
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Civilizing
.]
[Cf. F.
civilizer
, fr.L.
civilis
civil. See
Civil
.]
1.
To reclaim from a savage state; to instruct in the rules and customs of civilization; to educate; to refine.
Yet blest that fate which did his arms dispose
Her land to
civilize
, as to subdue.
Dryden
Syn. – To polish; refine; humanize.

Webster 1828 Edition

Civilize

CIVILIZE

,
Verb.
T.
To reclaim from a savage state; to introduce civility of manners among a people, and instruct them in the arts of regular life.

Definition 2024

civilize

civilize

See also: civilise

English

Alternative forms

Verb

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

  1. Alternative spelling of civilise

Related terms

Translations

Portuguese

Verb

civilize

  1. first-person singular present subjunctive of civilizar
  2. third-person singular present subjunctive of civilizar
  3. first-person singular imperative of civilizar
  4. third-person singular imperative of civilizar

Etymology

From French civiliser, corresponding to civil +‎ -ize.

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