To reduce someone or something to a less civilized state; to strip away civilization or culture.
From de- (reverse/remove) + civilize. This word emerged in 18th-19th century literature to describe perceived loss of refinement or social order.
Colonizers used the word 'decivilize' to justify their missions—they claimed certain people were 'decivilized' and needed 'civilizing,' which was really just racism dressed in academic language!
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