Domesticate Meaning and Definition
Domesticate
Pronunciation
/dəˈmɛstɪkeɪt/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To tame or train an animal, especially a wild one, to live with humans or be used for a specific purpose.
Examples
- The family decided to domesticate a wild cat they found in the woods.
- Domesticating animals can be a challenging but rewarding experience.
Synonyms
- Tame
- Train
- Domestic
Antonyms
- Wild
- Feral
Etymology
The word ‘domesticate’ comes from the Latin ‘domesticus,’ meaning ‘of or pertaining to the home,’ and the verb ‘domesticare,’ meaning ‘to make it belong to one’s household.’
Usage Notes
‘Domesticate’ is often used to describe the process of training or taming wild animals, but it can also refer to the act of making something more tractable or manageable, such as a domesticating a plant or a child’s behavior.
Cultural References
The concept of domesticating animals has been explored in various forms of media, such as in the movie ‘The Shaggy Dog,’ where a man is transformed into a shaggy dog after being bitten by a magical dog.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘Domesticated’ is often used in phrases like ‘domesticated spouse’ to refer to someone who is content with their routines and predictable life.
Related Words or Phrases
- Domestic
- Tame
- Train
Collocations
- Domesticate an animal
- Domesticating a wild animal
Frequency of Use
‘Domesticate’ is not a commonly used word in everyday conversation, but it is often used in contexts related to animal training or behavioral modification.
Common Misspellings
- Domesticte
- Domesticat
Additional Information
Domesticating animals can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Many people choose to domesticate animals for companionship, while others do it for specific purposes like hunting or herding.
Domesticating animals can also have a positive impact on the environment. For example, domesticated animals can help control pest populations, maintain healthy ecosystems, and even provide a source of food.
However, domesticating animals can also have negative consequences. For example, domesticated animals can become dependent on humans and lose their natural instincts, leading to a loss of genetic diversity and potentially even extinction.