civilizar

to civilize

civilizar

transitive verb

1. (to take out of a state perceived to be primitive)

a. to civilize

(United States)

El fray creía que civilizar a los nativos de la isla era su propósito divino.

The friar believed that civilizing the natives of the island was his divine purpose.

b. to civilise

(United Kingdom)

Muchos crímenes se cometieron durante la era colonial bajo el pretexto de querer civilizar a las comunidades locales.

Many crimes were committed during the colonial era under the pretext of wanting to civilise the local communities.

2. (to educate or teach manners)

a. to civilize

(United States)

Rodrigo era una bestia sin modales antes, pero los años casado con Carlota lo han civilizado un poco.

Rodrigo used to be a brute without manners, but the years spent married to Carlota have civilized him a bit.

b. to civilise

(United Kingdom)

No sé cómo lo ha hecho, pero la institutriz ha logrado civilizar al niño.

I don't know how she did it, but the governess has managed to civilise the child.