effeminise
Verb (transitive): To cause a male person or thing to adopt characteristics, qualities, or an appearance that are traditionally or stereotypically associated with femininity or womanliness.
The verb "effeminise" describes the action of imparting feminine traits. It is typically used with a direct object (the person or thing being altered). * The new policy was accused of seeking to effeminise the military's culture. * Some critics argued that the ornate decor would effeminise the space.
- The stylist claimed the makeup was not meant to the actor, but to make his features more delicate for the camera.
- He feared that growing up without a father figure would his son.
- The documentary explored how certain societal pressures can male behavior.
The term is often used in sociological, cultural, or critical discourse to discuss the imposition or adoption of gender norms. It can carry a negative or pejorative connotation, implying a loss of traditional masculinity or a deviation from a perceived norm. * In his analysis, the author examines how consumer culture has been used to effeminise the male populace.
- Effeminize: The primary alternative spelling, especially in American English.
- Feminize (verb): A more neutral synonym meaning to make or become feminine. "Effeminise" often implies this is done to a male subject, while "feminize" can be applied more broadly.
- Effeminate (adjective): Having qualities or characteristics traditionally associated with women and considered atypical for a man.
- Effeminacy (noun): The quality or state of being effeminate.
- Feminize
- Womanize (in the specific, now rare sense of making womanly)
- Masculinize
- Virilize
- to give a (more) feminine, effeminate, or womanly quality or appearance to
- This hairdo feminizes the man