Emasculate

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪˈmæskjʊˌleɪt/

Definitions

1. (verb) To deprive (a man) of his male role or identity, often through castration or a figurative act of weakening or feminizing.

2. (verb) To weaken or damage something, particularly the strength or vitality of a system, group, or individual.

3. (verb) To remove or alter the male reproductive organs of an animal or person, typically in the context of animal husbandry.

Usage Examples

1. "The act of emasculating the character in the novel portrayed a loss of power and autonomy."

2. "The political changes seemed to emasculate the opposing party, making it difficult for them to mount an effective challenge."

3. "Castrating the bulls was a necessary part of the farming process to prevent aggressive behavior."

Etymology

From the Latin "emasculare," meaning "to remove the male parts," from "e-" (out) and "masculus" (male). The term evolved in English to refer both to literal castration and to the figurative concept of weakening or feminizing something or someone.

Synonyms

• Castrate
• Weaken
• Debilitate
• Enfeeble
• Feminize
• Disable

Antonyms

• Empower
• Strengthen
• Fortify
• Invigorate
• Reinforce

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In various regions, the pronunciation of "emasculate" may vary slightly based on local accents and dialects. Some speakers may emphasize different syllables, especially between American and British English.

Historical Usage

The word "emasculate" has been in use since the 16th century. It originally referred to the physical act of castration, but over time, it acquired figurative meanings related to weakening or feminizing something, especially in social or political contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In modern contexts, "emasculate" is often used figuratively to describe the process of undermining someone’s strength, power, or authority, particularly men. This has led to the word being associated with gender roles and power dynamics, especially in discussions of masculinity.

More Information

The verb "emasculate" refers to the act of castrating or depriving someone or something of its male characteristics. In addition to its literal meaning, the term is commonly used in social and political discourse to describe actions or policies that weaken or diminish the power or autonomy of individuals or groups. The use of "emasculate" in modern contexts often carries a sense of loss or degradation, especially in terms of masculinity or strength, making it a powerful term in gender and cultural discussions.