barbarize

verb

bar·​ba·​rize ˈbär-bə-ˌrīz How to pronounce barbarize (audio)
barbarized; barbarizing

intransitive verb

: to become barbarous
barbarization noun

Examples of barbarize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Manners are what vex or soothe, corrupt or purify, exalt or debase, barbarize or refine us … . Bret Stephens New York Times, Star Tribune, 7 Aug. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of barbarize was in 1602

Dictionary Entries Near barbarize

Cite this Entry

“Barbarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbarize. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!