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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Civ·i·lized a. Reclaimed from savage life and manners; instructed in arts, learning, and civil manners; refined; cultivated.
Sale of conscience and duty in open market is not reconcilable with the present state of civilized society. --J. Quincy.
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civilized
adj 1: having a high state of culture and development both social
and technological; "terrorist acts that shocked the
civilized world" [syn: civilised] [ant: noncivilized]
2: marked by refinement in taste and manners; "cultivated
speech"; "cultured Bostonians"; "cultured tastes"; "a
genteel old lady"; "polite society" [syn: civilised, cultivated,
cultured, genteel, polite]