El fray creía que civilizar a los nativos de la isla era su propósito divino.The friar believed that civilizing the natives of the island was his divine purpose.
Muchos crímenes se cometieron durante la era colonial bajo el pretexto de querer civilizar a las comunidades locales.Many crimes were committed during the colonial era under the pretext of wanting to civilise the local communities.
Rodrigo era una bestia sin modales antes, pero los años casado con Carlota lo han civilizado un poco.Rodrigo used to be a brute without manners, but the years spent married to Carlota have civilized him a bit.
No sé cómo lo ha hecho, pero la institutriz ha logrado civilizar al niño.I don't know how she did it, but the governess has managed to civilise the child.