Barbarianize

/bɑrˈbɛəriəˌnaɪz/ verb

Definition

To make or cause something to become barbarous, crude, or uncivilized; to adopt barbarous practices.

Etymology

From 'barbarian' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (from Greek '-izein'). This word emerged to describe the process of cultural decline or the adoption of supposedly uncivilized behaviors.

Kelly Says

Roman scholars used versions of this word to describe how their own empire was 'barbarianizing' as Germanic tribes migrated into Europe—showing how every culture fears losing its identity!

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