circumcise

American  

[sur-kuhm-sahyz] / ˈsɜr kəmˌsaɪz /

verb (used with object)

circumcised, circumcising

1. to remove the prepuce of (a male), especially as a religious rite.

2. to remove the clitoris, prepuce, or labia of (a female).

3. to purify spiritually.

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circumcise British  

/ ˈsɜːkəmˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to remove the foreskin of (a male)

2. to incise surgically the skin over the clitoris of (a female)

3. to remove the clitoris of (a female)

4. to perform the religious rite of circumcision on (someone)

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Other Word Forms

• circumciser
  noun

Etymology

Origin of circumcise

1200–50; Middle English circumcisen < Latin circumcīsus (past participle of circumcīdere to cut around), equivalent to circum- circum- + -cīsus ( -cīd- cut + -tus past participle suffix; see -cide)

Example Sentences

This was when piracy was at its peak and she had just given birth to a son, whom they wanted to circumcise.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2024

Those choices can be as substantial as whether to circumcise a baby or as minor as giving in and deciding that yes, fine, a 3-year-old can wear a ballerina costume to school.

From Washington Post • Jun. 13, 2022

We can all see the circumcision data, but some of us will circumcise our kids and some of us won't, because there are small pluses and small minuses and preferences are important.

From Salon • Aug. 3, 2021

Her lyrics are often clever throughout: “Don’t circumcise my circumstance,” she sings in one song.

From Washington Times • Jan. 30, 2020

Honoring Abraham, the Muslims and Jews circumcise their boys.

From "Tasting the Sky" by Ibtisam Barakat