Word Explorer

Civilize

To educate or enlighten a person or people to a perceived higher standard of behaviour.

📖 Definitions of "Civilize"

verb

1
To educate or enlighten a person or people to a perceived higher standard of behaviour.
2
To introduce or impose the standards of one civilisation upon another civilization, group or person, arguably with the intent of achieving a perceived higher standard of behavior.
3
To bring from a state of savagery to an educated or refined state.

🔄 Synonyms of "Civilize"

6 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
cultivateverb	To grow plants, notably crops.
developverb	(transitive) To advance; to further; to promote the growth of.
trainnoun	Elongated or trailing portion.
schoolnoun	(India, Canada, US) An institution dedicated to teaching and learning; an educational institution.
educateverb	(transitive) To instruct or train.
modernizeverb	(transitive) To make (something old or outdated) up to date, or modern in style or function by adding or changing equipment, designs, etc.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Civilize"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
educateverb	(transitive) To instruct or train.
modernizeverb	(transitive) To make (something old or outdated) up to date, or modern in style or function by adding or changing equipment, designs, etc.
developverb	(transitive) To advance; to further; to promote the growth of.
trainverb	(intransitive) To practice an ability.
cultivateverb	To grow plants, notably crops.
schoolverb	(transitive) To educate, teach, or train (often, but not necessarily, in a school).
civiliseverb	To educate or enlighten a person or people to a perceived higher standard of behaviour.
christianizeverb	(transitive) To cause to convert to Christianity.
domesticateverb	(transitive) To adapt to live with humans.
subjugateverb	To forcibly impose obedience, servitude, or submission upon (a country, a people, etc.).
civilisingnoun	—
ennobleverb	To bestow with nobility, honour or grace.
enslaveverb	(transitive) To make subservient; to strip one of freedom; enthrall.
reeducateverb	(transitive) To educate or teach again, especially in order to remove bad practices.
liberateverb	(transitive) To set free, to make or allow to be free, particularly
humanizeverb	(transitive) To make sympathetic or relatable.
subdueverb	(transitive) To overcome, quieten, or bring under control.
industrializeverb	(of a country) To develop industry; to become industrial.
acculturateverb	(transitive) To cause (a person) to acquire the culture of a society (or of a region, industry, or company), as in the case of children growing up in that culture, immigrants learning that culture, or new hires learning the ropes of a job.
exterminateverb	(transitive) To kill or otherwise permanently eliminate all of (a population of pests or undesirables), usually intentionally.