savagize - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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savagize

|sav-a-gize|

/ˈsævəɡaɪz/

make wild / render brutal

Etymology

Etymology Information

'savagize' originates from English, specifically formed from the word 'savage' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize', where 'savage' comes from Old French 'sauvage' meaning 'wild'.

Historical Evolution

'savage' changed from Old French 'sauvage', which in turn traces back to Latin 'silvaticus' (related to 'silva', 'wood'), and the modern verb-forming suffix '-ize' comes into English via French/Latin/Grecian formation patterns; combined as 'savagize' to mean 'to make savage'.

Meaning Changes

Initially the root meant 'wild' or 'of the woods', but in the compound verb 'savagize' it evolved to the current meaning 'to make wild or brutal, to render uncivilized'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the act or process of making something savage; a state of having been made brutal or uncivilized (often used in abstract or sociopolitical contexts).

Humanitarian groups protested the savagization of the conflict zone.

Synonyms

brutalization barbarization dehumanization

Antonyms

civilization humanization

Verb 1

to make or render savage; to brutalize or reduce to a brutal, uncivilized, or feral state.

The regime's violent tactics seemed designed to savagize any opposition.

Synonyms