bestialize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low)Formal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “bestialize” mean?
To make something or someone behave like a beast.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something or someone behave like a beast; to degrade or dehumanize, reducing to a brutal, animalistic state.
To treat with extreme cruelty or brutality; to make something coarse, crude, or depraved; to strip of civilized qualities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally negative and severe in both, associated with literary criticism, historical analysis, and philosophical discourse on violence.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic or historical texts due to a traditionally stronger classical education influence.
Grammar
How to Use “bestialize” in a Sentence
[Subject] bestializes [Object][Object] is bestialized by [Subject]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bestialize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The propaganda sought to bestialize the opposing forces, painting them as sub-human.
- One must not let suffering bestialise the spirit.
American English
- The regime's tactics were designed to bestialize political dissidents.
- War has the power to bestialize even the most civilized societies.
adverb
British English
- [The adverb form is 'bestially'.] He was bestially violent.
American English
- [The adverb form is 'bestially'.] The prisoners were treated bestially.
adjective
British English
- [The adjective form is 'bestial'.] The bestial nature of the act horrified the court.
American English
- [The adjective form is 'bestial'.] They were accused of bestial cruelty.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary theory, history (e.g., discourses on war, colonialism), philosophy (ethics, human nature).
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound overly dramatic or pretentious.
Technical
Not used in scientific contexts; reserved for humanities and social commentary.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bestialize”
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'He bestialized' is wrong without an object).
- Confusing it with 'beastly' (an adjective).
- Misspelling as 'bestialise' (UK spelling is also 'bestialize').
- Overusing in inappropriate contexts where 'brutalize' or 'mistreat' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word used primarily in academic, literary, or philosophical writing.
'Brutalize' focuses on making someone brutal or violent, often through experience. 'Bestialize' is stronger, implying a reduction to an animal-like, sub-human state, often involving a loss of reason and morality.
Almost never. It is inherently negative and judgmental, carrying connotations of extreme degradation and loss of humanity.
The related noun is 'bestialization' (also very rare), referring to the process or result of being bestialized.
To make something or someone behave like a beast.
Bestialize is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Bestialize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛstɪəlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛstʃəˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated. Concept appears in phrases like 'reduced to a bestial state'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BEAST' in 'bestialize'. To bestialize is to turn someone into a beast.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN IS ANIMAL (in a negative, degraded sense). CIVILIZATION IS A CONTAINER; to bestialize is to be forced outside that container.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the verb 'bestialize' be MOST appropriately used?