Verb:
1. Bring (a people or place) to a more advanced state of social and cultural development.
> Example: The country has made great strides to civilize its rural areas.
2. Make refined, polite, or respectable.
> Example: She was determined to civilize her young son's rough manners.
3. Bring under control or introduce law and order to (a lawless region or society).
> Example: They sought to civilize the frontier and bring stability to the region.
Adjective:
1. Relating to or characteristic of an advanced state of social and cultural development.
> Example: The city was a hub of civilized society, with theaters, libraries, and universities.
2. Refined, polite, or respectable.
> Example: The children were raised in a civilized and cultured environment.
3. In accordance with accepted social standards; polite.
> Example: It was considered civilized to offer guests a drink upon arrival.