geld
/geld/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To castrate a male animal, especially a horse or other domestic animal, by removing its testicles.
Usage
- The verb "geld" is used specifically for the surgical procedure of castrating male animals. It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the animal being castrated).
- It is most commonly applied to livestock such as horses, bulls, and pigs.
- The past tense and past participle are typically "gelded," though "gelt" is an archaic variant.
Examples
- Verb:
- The farmer decided to geld the young stallion to make him more manageable.
- It is common practice to geld male pigs raised for meat.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Figurative Use: In a historical or figurative sense, "geld" can mean to deprive of strength, vigor, or essential elements, though this usage is rare.
- The oppressive policies were seen as an attempt to geld the spirit of the people.
Variants and Related Words
- Gelding (n): A castrated male horse.
- The calmest horse in the stable is a gelding.
- Castrate (v): A more general synonym for removing the testicles of a male animal or human.
Synonyms
- Castrate: To remove the testicles.
- Neuter: To remove the reproductive organs of an animal (can refer to both males and females, but is often used interchangeably with castrate for males).
- Alter: A common euphemism for neutering or spaying a pet.
Antonyms
- Leave intact: To not castrate.
- Breed (in the context of keeping an animal for reproduction): To use an animal for breeding purposes.
Notes
- "Geld" is a term primarily used in animal husbandry and veterinary contexts. The equivalent procedure for female animals is "spaying."
- The word is of Norse origin and is related to the English word "gold" in its historical sense of a payment or tax, but this connection is not relevant to its modern meaning.
Verb
- cut off the testicles (of male animals such as horses)
- the vet gelded the young horse