[UK and ANZ] usually -ise [verb] [T] - to educate (a society) so that it becomes more socially and culturally developedThe Romans set out to civilize the Ancient Britons.If you civilize someone, you improve their behaviour.She had a civilizing effect on her younger brother.
CIVILIZE
Meaning of CIVILIZE in English
Cambridge English vocab. Кембриджский английский словарь. 2012