Definition

Noun: The process or result of causing a female or something perceived as feminine to develop male physical characteristics, traits, or behaviors. This is typically an abnormal or induced condition, often resulting from hormone imbalances, medical treatments, or adrenal disorders.

Usage

This term is used in medical, biological, and sociological contexts to describe the development of male secondary sexual characteristics in females or the imposition of male-associated qualities.

Examples

• The patient experienced masculinisation as a side effect of the steroid therapy.
• The study examined the social masculinisation of certain professions over time.
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause masculinisation of external genitalia in genetic females.

Advanced Usage

• Sociological Context: In gender studies, 'masculinisation' can refer to the process by which social institutions, practices, or roles become dominated by or associated with masculine norms.
  • Example: The masculinisation of political discourse has been a topic of academic debate.

Variants and Related Words

• Masculinize (verb): To cause masculinisation.
  • Example: The hormone treatment may masculinize her features.
• Masculinization (noun): An alternative spelling of 'masculinisation'. The '-ization' ending is more common in American English, while '-isation' is common in British English.
• Virilization (noun): A more specific medical term often used synonymously with 'masculinisation' to describe the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

Synonyms

• Virilization (medical)
• Androgenization

Antonyms

• Feminization
• Demasculinization

Noun

1. the abnormal development of male sexual characteristics in a female (usually as the result of hormone therapies or adrenal malfunction)