bestializing
|bes-ti-a-liz-ing|
/ˈbɛs.ti.əˌlaɪz/
(bestialize)
make beastly; brutalize
Etymology
'bestialize' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'bestia', where 'bestia' meant 'beast'; English formed 'bestial' (relating to beasts) and added the verbal suffix '-ize' (from Greek/Latin/French development meaning 'to make or become').
'bestia' (Latin) → 'bestialis' (Late Latin, 'of a beast') → Old French/Medieval forms leading to Middle English 'bestial' → modern English 'bestial' + '-ize' produced the verb 'bestialize' and its derivatives like 'bestialization' and 'bestializing'.
Initially associated with 'of or relating to beasts' (descriptive adjective); over time the formation with '-ize' produced a verb meaning 'to make beastlike' or 'to degrade to a brutal/animal condition', now often used figuratively to mean 'to dehumanize or brutalize'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'bestialize'; to make or render beastlike; to brutalize or reduce to a savage, animal state (often used figuratively for degrading human dignity).
They accused the regime of bestializing political opponents through torture and public humiliation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/13 03:56