decivilize
English
Alternative forms
- decivilise
Etymology
de- + civilize
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /diːˈsɪvɪlaɪz/
Verb
decivilize (third-person singular simple present decivilizes, present participle decivilizing, simple past and past participle decivilized)
- (transitive) To make less civilized.
- 2005, Marilynne Robinson, The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought, →ISBN, page 74:
- 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?
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- (intransitive) To become less civilized.
- 2003, David Weber, Empire from the ashes, →ISBN:
- 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?
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Related terms
- decivilization