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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

decivilize en · VERB

Pronunciation

  • /diːˈsɪvɪlaɪz/ (UK)

Etymology

From de- + civilize.

Meanings

  1. (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:
  2. (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

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
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

Relateds

decivilization