decivilize en · VERB
Pronunciation
- /diːˈsɪvɪlaɪz/ (UK)
Etymology
From de- + civilize.
Meanings
-
(transitive) To make less civilized.
Are we not in fact dicivilizing ourselves as we decivilize them? Why is there no outcry? Is it because we have cast off the delusion of human sanctity?
2005, Marilynne Robinson, The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought, →ISBN, page 74:
-
(intransitive) To become less civilized.
Or how beings such as ourselves—such as you now are— with lifespans measured in centuries and strength and endurance far beyond that of Terra- born humans, could decivilize so utterly?
2003, David Weber, Empire from the ashes, →ISBN:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| decivilized | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| decivilized | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| decivilizes | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| decivilizing | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| decivilise | alternative | lexicographic |