Meaning & Definition of word "Emasculate"
to
Emasculate
/ɪˈmæskjʊleɪt/
verb:
- 1. To deprive a male of his male role or identity; to castrate.
- Example: The harsh criticism aimed at him seemed intended to emasculate his confidence.
- 2. To make something less effective or weaker.
- Example: The new policies were seen as an attempt to emasculate the organization's influence.
- 3. To remove the masculine characteristics or qualities from.
- Example: The film was criticized for attempting to emasculate traditional notions of masculinity.
Etymology
From Latin emasculare, meaning 'remove the male' (e from ex 'out' + masculus 'male').
Common Phrases and Expressions
emasculate one's authority:
To undermine or weaken someone’s control or command.
emasculated by fear:
To be made weak or ineffective as a result of fear.
Related Words
castrate:
To remove the testes of a male animal or person.
debilitate:
To make someone or something weak.
Slang Meanings of emasculate
Meaning: To be made to feel less masculine or strong.
Example Sentence: He felt emasculated after being defeated in the argument.
Meaning: To have one's confidence undermined.
Example Sentence: The constant mocking from peers emasculated his self-esteem.