1. to make or become like an animal in behavior or nature; to reduce to an animal level
Usage: formal
2. to represent in animal form or with animal characteristics
Usage: art; literature

Examples

• The harsh conditions seemed to animalize the prisoners over time.
• War can animalize even the most civilized people.
• The artist chose to animalize the human figures in his painting.
• Ancient myths often animalize gods and spirits.
• The novel explores how poverty can animalize human behavior.
• The cartoonist decided to animalize the political figures as various creatures.