demasculinise
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To remove the testicles of a male animal; to castrate.
- To deprive of masculine vigor, qualities, or appearance; to emasculate.
Usage
The verb "demasculinise" is used to describe the act of making a male less masculine, either physically through castration or figuratively by weakening masculine traits. It is a formal and technical term. * The primary and most literal usage refers to the surgical removal of testicles in animals. * The secondary, more figurative usage describes undermining traditional masculine characteristics, such as strength, authority, or vigor.
Examples
- Literal (Veterinary/Biological context):
- Farmers often demasculinise young bulls to make them easier to manage.
- The procedure to demasculinise the animal is called castration.
- Figurative (Sociological/Psychological context):
- Critics argued that the policy would demasculinise the traditional role of the father in the family.
- He felt the constant criticism was an attempt to demasculinise him and undermine his confidence.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in academic, sociological, or biological discussions.
- It carries a strong connotation of an external force actively removing or diminishing masculinity.
- "Demasculinisation" (noun): The process or result of demasculinising.
- The demasculinisation of the male characters in the novel reflects the author's critique of traditional gender roles.
Variants and Related Words
- Demasculinize: The preferred spelling in American English.
- Castrate: A more common and direct synonym for the physical act.
- Neuter: A general term for removing the reproductive organs of an animal.
- Emasculate: A very close synonym that can refer to both castration and, more commonly, the figurative weakening of masculine power or identity.
Synonyms
- Castrate
- Neuter
- Geld (specifically for animals)
- Emasculate
- Unman (figurative)
Antonyms
- Masculinise / Masculinize: To give masculine characteristics to.
- Vitalize
- Empower (figurative)
Verb
-
remove the testicles of a male animal
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
