See Also: civilize(dictionary)
civilize(dictionary)

civilize (iou)



civilize verb. Also civilise. E17.
[French civiliser (earlier -zer), formed as CIVIL: see -IZE.]
verb trans. Bring out of barbarism; bring to conformity with the standards of behaviour and the tastes of a highly developed society; enlighten; refine and educate. E17.
verb trans. Subject to civil authority. E17-E18.
verb intrans.
a. Behave in a civilized fashion. Only in E17.
b. Become civilized. M19.
civilizable adjective able to be civilized M19.
civilized ppl adjective that has been civilized; pertaining to or characteristic of (members of) a highly-developed society; refined, educated: E17.
civili'zee noun (now rare) a civilized person M19.
civilizer noun L17.