The status of a citizen. See also naturalize. civil.ADJ. Having to do with the concerns of citizens and the state; the branch of law that handles private matters as opposed to criminal ones. civil action.N. A lawsuit brought by a private citizen to protect a private or civil right or to seek a civil remedy; a noncriminal action. civil court. N. A court handling civil actions, i.e., noncriminal matters. civil disobedience.N. Deliberately refusing to obey a law as a way of protesting its unfair...