civ·i·lize /ˈsɪvəˌlaɪz/
(vt.)使開化,使文明(vi.)變文明
Civ·i·lize v. t. [imp. & p. p. Civilized p. pr. & vb. n. Civilizing.]
1. To reclaim from a savage state; to instruct in the rules and customs of civilization; to educate; to refine.
Yet blest that fate which did his arms dispose
Her land to civilize, as to subdue. --Dryden
2. To admit as suitable to a civilized state. [Obs. or R.] “Civilizing adultery.”
Syn: -- To polish; refine; humanize.
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civilize
v 1: train to be discriminative in taste or judgment; "Cultivate
your musical taste"; "Train your tastebuds"; "She is
well schooled in poetry" [syn: educate, school, train,
cultivate, civilise]
2: raise from a barbaric to a civilized state; "The wild child
found wandering in the forest was gradually civilized"
[syn: civilise]