feminize

verb
fem·​i·​nize | \ ˈfe-mə-ˌnīz How to pronounce feminize (audio) \
feminized; feminizing

Definition of feminize

transitive verb

1 : to give a feminine quality to
2 : to cause (a male or castrate) to take on feminine characters (as by implantation of ovaries or administration of estrogens)

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Other Words from feminize

feminization \ ˌfe-​mə-​nə-​ˈzā-​shən How to pronounce feminization (audio) \ noun

Examples of feminize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What if soy was a plot to feminize real American men? Rachel Sugar, Vox, "Oatly and the quest for the perfect alt-milk," 14 Aug. 2019 This distress decreases or disappears for many people who take masculinizing or feminizing hormones, according to the American Psychiatric Association. NBC News, "Neither male nor female: Why some nonbinary people are 'microdosing' hormones," 13 July 2019 At the time women’s streetwear brands were just feminized version of the men’s and their advertisements all seemed to cater to the male gaze, Baby Phat centered women. Jessica Andrews, Teen Vogue, "The Best Baby Phat Fashion Moments of All Time, Ahead of the Relaunch," 13 Mar. 2019 She is played by Evangeline Lily in a very realistic way and not feminized with unrealistic beauty shots. Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Ant-Man and the Wasp' Editor Says Scott Lang Needs to Find "Balance" in the Sequel," 5 July 2018 The unique pattern, long sleeves and flowing train gave the look a fierce, reptilian-like effect while the open back and perfect glove-like fit feminized the look by letting her show off her curves. Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, "CMT Music Awards: Carrie Underwood and more of the night's best-dressed stars," 7 June 2018 But there’s a sense in which the condition itself has been feminized. Lidija Haas, The New Yorker, "Memoirs of Disease and Disbelief," 17 June 2014 The Left has tried to culturally feminize this country in a way that is disgusting. Jennifer Wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "Why Incels Hate Women," 27 Apr. 2018 Referencing Classical allegory, the sculpture depicts virtuous good government in the form of a muscular 11-foot-tall man crushing writhing, feminized aquatic creatures meant to represent all that is inimical to it. Ginia Bellafante, New York Times, "Statue of Doctor Who Did Slave Experiments Is Exiled. Its Ideas Are Not.," 18 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'feminize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of feminize

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for feminize

feminize

transitive verb
fem·​i·​nize
variants: or British feminise \ ˈfem-​ə-​ˌnīz How to pronounce feminise (audio) \
feminized or British feminised; feminizing or British feminising

Medical Definition of feminize

: to cause (a male or castrate) to take on feminine characters (as by implantation of ovaries or administration of estrogenic substances)

Other Words from feminize

feminization or British feminisation \ ˌfem-​ə-​nə-​ˈzā-​shən How to pronounce feminisation (audio) \ noun