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

[ English

[ Alternative spellings

• civilise (mostly British)

[ Etymology

From Latin civis

[ Verb

Infinitive to civilize

Third person singular civilizes

Simple past civilized

Past participle civilized

Present participle civilizing

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

[ 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 thee arts of regular life.

[ Related terms

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

[ Translations

Finnish: sivistää