Definition of domesticate
domesticated
;domesticating
transitive verb
1 : to bring into use in one's own country : to bring into domestic use : adopt started to domesticate European customs
2 : to adapt (an animal or plant) to life in intimate association with and to the advantage of humans when humans first domesticated the dog
3 : to cause to become adapted to life in a household : to make fit for domestic life wasn't interested in becoming domesticated
4 : to bring to the level of ordinary people
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Examples of domesticate in a Sentence
Horses and oxen have been domesticated to work on farms.
She jokes that dogs are easier to domesticate than men.
Origin and Etymology of domesticate
see 1domestic
First Known Use: circa 1639
Definition of domesticate
: a domesticated (see 1domesticate 2) animal or plant
Origin and Etymology of domesticate
see 1domestic
First Known Use: 1951
DOMESTICATE Defined for English Language Learners
domesticate
playDefinition of domesticate for English Language Learners
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: to breed or train (an animal) to need and accept the care of human beings : to tame (an animal)
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: to grow (a plant) for human use
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: to train (someone) to behave in an appropriate way at home (such as by using good manners, being polite, being helpful, etc.)
DOMESTICATE Defined for Kids
domesticate
playDefinition of domesticate for Students
domesticated
;domesticating
: to bring under the control of and make usable by humans Humans domesticated dogs thousands of years ago.
Learn More about domesticate
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See words that rhyme with domesticate Spanish Central: Translation of domesticate Nglish: Translation of domesticate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of domesticate for Arabic speakers
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