barbarize

/ˈbɑrbəˌraɪz/

Definitions

1. verb

to make or become savage, brutal, or uncivilized

“The city’s cultural values were barbarized by the influx of violence.”

2. verb

to adapt something to a particular culture or use

“The music was barbarized to fit the local tastes.”

3. verb

to make something unrefined or coarse

“The artist’s work was barbarized by the critics.”

Synonyms

  • brutalize
  • coarsen
  • savage

Antonyms

  • civilize
  • refine