1. to bring out of a primitive or savage state; to educate and refine
Usage: British spelling; third person singular present tense
2. to cause to develop civil and orderly customs and institutions
Usage: British spelling; third person singular present tense

Examples

• Education civilises society by promoting understanding and tolerance.
• The missionary believed his work civilises remote communities.
• Modern technology civilises daily life through improved communication.
• She argues that art civilises human nature.
• The government civilises frontier regions by establishing schools and hospitals.
• Trade civilises relationships between different cultures.