English

Alternative forms

• civilize

Verb

civilise ‎(third-person singular simple present civilises, present participle civilising, simple past and past participle civilised)

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.

Related terms

• civilisation, civilization
• civil
• city
• civitas
• civilian
• citizen

Translations

French

Verb

civilise

1. first-person singular present indicative of civiliser
2. third-person singular present indicative of civiliser
3. first-person singular present subjunctive of civiliser
4. first-person singular present subjunctive of civiliser
5. second-person singular imperative of civiliser