bastardize

verb

bas·​tard·​ize ˈba-stər-ˌdīz How to pronounce bastardize (audio)
bastardized; bastardizing

transitive verb

1
: to reduce from a higher to a lower state or condition : debase
2
: to declare or prove to be a bastard
3
: to modify especially by introducing discordant or disparate elements
bastardization noun

Examples of bastardize in a Sentence

It's a shame to see how Hollywood has bastardized the novel. The restaurant serves a bastardized version of the classic French dish.
Recent Examples on the Web Over the years, though, the cocktail has become bastardized into a sugary drink containing all sorts of fruit juices and sweeteners, causing it to be denegrated alongside the likes of Long Island Ice Teas and Strawberry Daiquiris. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2023 These white people in blackface entertained the masses with stereotypes of Blackness, bastardizing the Black identity in the process. Tayo Bero, refinery29.com, 4 Apr. 2023 Society, this week, also bastardized two wholesome childhood fixtures, SunnyD and Girl Scout Cookies. Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 10 Mar. 2023 What does a profession license mean if you’re allowed to bastardize the court system that way. Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2020 Videos that bastardize neighborhood names, or cluelessly treat storied establishments like new discoveries. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2022 To bastardize the bands Pablo Cruise or Yes, love will always find a way. Outside Online, 13 Feb. 2021 As a carcass decomposes, the bacteria in the body itself runs rampant, producing its signature stink and bastardizing the soil’s microbiome. Matt Simon, Wired, 21 Jan. 2020 The initial fear that the band was going to make a killing on wading-pool-deep music and basically bastardize country music was way off-base. Chuck Yarborough, cleveland, 8 Jan. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bastardize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

bastard entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of bastardize was in 1585

Dictionary Entries Near bastardize

Cite this Entry

“Bastardize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bastardize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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