civilize

• POS: Verb (transitive)
• HYPHEN: civ=i=lize

CIDE DICTIONARY

civilize, v. t. [Cf. F. civilizer, fr.L. civilis civil. See Civil.].

•  To reclaim from a savage state; to instruct in the rules and customs of civilization; to educate; to refine.  [1913 Webster]

  "Yet blest that fate which did his arms dispose
  Her land to civilize, as to subdue."  [1913 Webster]
•  To admit as suitable to a civilized state.  Milton.

Syn. -- To polish; refine; humanize.

OXFORD DICTIONARY

civilize, v.tr. (also -ise)
1 bring out of a barbarous or primitive stage of society.
2 enlighten; refine and educate.

Derivative

civilizable adj. civilizer n.

Etymology

F civiliser (as CIVIL)

THESAURUS

civilize

acculturate, advance, ameliorate, amend, anthropomorphize, better, boost, bring forward, broaden, broaden the mind, catechize, demonstrate, direct, domesticate, edify, educate, elevate, emend, enhance, enlighten, enrich, fatten, favor, forward, foster, give instruction, give lessons in, go straight, ground, guide, humanize, illumine, improve, improve upon, inform, instruct, lard, lift, make an improvement, make human, meliorate, mend, nurture, open the eyes, polish, promote, raise, reeducate, refine, refine upon, reform, school, set right, sharpen the wits, show, show how, socialize, straighten out, tame, teach, teach a lesson, teach the rudiments, transfigure, transform, upgrade, uplift

ROGET THESAURUS

civilize

Courtesy

VB be courteous, show courtesy, mind one's P's and Q's, behave oneself, be all things to all men, conciliate, speak one fair, take in good part, make the amiable, do the amiable, look as if butter would not melt in one's mouth, mend one's manners, receive, do the honors, usher, greet, hail, bid welcome, welcome, welcome with open arms, shake hands, hold out the hand, press the hand, squeeze the hand, press the flesh, bid Godspeed, speed the parting guest, cheer, serenade, salute, embrace, kiss, kiss hands, drink to, pledge, hob and nob, move to, nod to, smile upon, uncover, cap, touch the hat, take off the hat, doff the cap, present arms, make way for, bow, make one's bow, make a leg, scrape, curtsy, courtesy, bob a curtsy, bob a courtesy, kneel, bow the knee, bend the knee, visit, wait upon, present oneself, pay one's respects, pay a visit, dance attendance on, pay attentions to, do homage to, prostrate oneself, give one's duty to, send one's duty to render polite, polish, civilize, humanize.