Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Civilize \Civ"i*lize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Civilized}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Civilizing}.] [Cf. F. civilizer, fr.L. civilis civil.
   See {Civil}.]
   1. To reclaim from a savage state; to instruct in the rules
      and customs of civilization; to educate; to refine.

            Yet blest that fate which did his arms dispose Her
            land to civilize, as to subdue.       --Dryden

   2. To admit as suitable to a civilized state. [Obs. or R.]
      ``Civilizing adultery.'' --Milton.

   Syn: To polish; refine; humanize.

Civilized \Civ"i*lized\, a.
   Reclaimed from savage life and manners; instructed in arts,
   learning, and civil manners; refined; cultivated.

         Sale of conscience and duty in open market is not
         reconcilable with the present state of civilized
         society.                                 --J. Quincy.

Source : WordNet®

civilized
     adj 1: having a high state of culture and development both social
            and technological; "terrorist acts that shocked the
            civilized world" [syn: {civilised}] [ant: {noncivilized}]
     2: marked by refinement in taste and manners; "cultivated
        speech"; "cultured Bostonians"; "cultured tastes"; "a
        genteel old lady"; "polite society" [syn: {civilised}, {cultivated},
         {cultured}, {genteel}, {polite}]