bastardization

verb (used with object), bas·tard·ized, bas·tard·iz·ing.

1. to lower in condition or worth; debase: hybrid works that neither preserve nor bastardize existing art forms.
2. to declare or prove (someone) to be a bastard.
3. Australian. to harass or humiliate as part of initiation into a college or regiment.

verb (used without object), bas·tard·ized, bas·tard·iz·ing.

4. to become debased.

noun

1. the act of bastardizing
2. Australian
   1. an initiation ceremony in a school or military unit, esp one involving brutality
   2. brutality or bullying

verb (tr)

1. to debase; corrupt
2. archaic to declare illegitimate

v.

1610s, “to identify as a bastard,” from bastard (q.v.) + -ize. The figurative sense, “to make degenerate, debase” is earlier (1580s), probably because bastard also was serving as a verb meaning “to declare illegitimate” (1540s). Related: Bastardized; bastardizing; bastardization.