circumcise

[ sur-kuhm-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, cir·cum·cised, cir·cum·cis·ing.

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.

circumcise

/ 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)

Derived Forms

• ˈcircumˌciser, noun

Other Words From

• circum·ciser noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumcise¹

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; -cide )

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumcise¹

C13: from Latin circumcīdere, from circum- + caedere to cut

Example Sentences

Jews circumcise their infant boys on the eighth day of life; Muslims generally do so before age 10.

From The Daily Beast

To those who circumcise for religious purposes, the criminalization of the ritual is nothing more than religious discrimination.

From The Daily Beast

Saint Paul said that we ought rather to circumcise the heart.

From The Daily Beast

Most Americans circumcise their sons for perceived health reasons.

From The Daily Beast

But, till then, I cannot truckle to tithe-mongers,—nor can I imagine what has made you circumcise your Seraphs.

From Project Gutenberg

Moses hath given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers); and on the sabbath ye circumcise a man.

From Project Gutenberg

They pray in mosques, and circumcise their boys, and yet some of them observe the Hindu festivals.

From Project Gutenberg

Infant deformation is not practised in any form by the Mafulu people; nor do they circumcise their children.

From Project Gutenberg

In disregard of the monks, the Indians secretly circumcise their children.

From Project Gutenberg