domesticate
domesticate Lexical Profile
domesticate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To tame and breed an animal species over generations to live in close association with and for the benefit of humans.
"Early agricultural societies managed to domesticate wild sheep and goats for their wool, milk, and meat."
To adapt and cultivate a wild plant species for human use, consumption, or agriculture.
"Indigenous peoples in the Americas were the first to domesticate maize and potatoes thousands of years ago."
To make a person fond of or accustomed to home life and household duties (often used humorously).
"After years of constant travel, adopting a dog and buying a house finally helped domesticate him."
Word Nuance & Usage
In biological contexts, 'domesticate' refers to adapting an entire species over generations through selective breeding, whereas 'tame' refers to conditioning an individual wild animal to accept human presence.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Medieval Latin domesticatus, the past participle of domesticare ('to dwell in a house' or 'to tame'), ultimately derived from Latin domus ('house').