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civilize

civ·i·lize

civilize

 
 
pronunciation:
sI v laIz
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: civilizes, civilizing, civilized
definition: to bring to an educated or refined condition; cause impulsive or destructive behavior to be voluntarily restrained.
They found a wild, mute child who had been living in a cave, and they attempted to civilize him.
synonyms:
acculturate, humanize
similar words:
citify, cultivate, develop, educate, indoctrinate, sophisticate, tame
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