castration

[kas-trey-shuhn]

noun

1. the removal of the testes.

2. the removal of the ovaries.

3. Psychology.,  the rendering or condition of impotency, literally or metaphorically, as a result of psychological means, especially the willful threat to a person's masculinity or femininity.

4. the deprivation of strength, power, or efficiency.

   the castration of our morale by a ruthless leader.

Word History and Origins

Origin of castration¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Old French or Latin castrātiōn- stem of castrātiō “emasculation”; castrat(e) ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Related Words

• sterilization