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; -cide )

Example Sentences

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

For some families, the decision about whether to circumcise a boy is a cultural or religious decision, while others may consider hygiene or social reasons.

From Fox News • Jan. 7, 2020

Yet the mother of three daughters does not intend to circumcise any of them as her hope is that they will be educated and less easily intimidated by the community.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2019

That was part of his job as a rabbi, to go to people’s houses and circumcise their kids.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride