deflower

[ dih-flou-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to deprive (a woman) of virginity.
2. to despoil of beauty, freshness, sanctity, etc.
3. to deprive or strip of flowers:

   The deer had deflowered an entire section of the garden.

deflower

/ diːˈflaʊə /

verb

1. to deprive of virginity, esp by rupturing the hymen through sexual intercourse
2. to despoil of beauty, innocence, etc; mar; violate
3. to rob or despoil of flowers

Derived Forms

• deˈflowerer, noun

Other Words From

• de·flower·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deflower¹

1350–1400; Middle English deflouren < Old French desflorer < Latin dēflōrāre, equivalent to dē- de- + flōr-, stem of flōs flower + -āre infinitive suffix

Example Sentences

Individual inspiration was a sacred thing, which reality with its rules and prejudices could only spoil and deflower.

From Project Gutenberg

In Poland, the noblemen arrogated the right to deflower any maid they pleased, and a hundred lashes were given him who complained.

From Project Gutenberg

For she deliberately sent down to the beach her daughter, who was of marriageable age, and prompted her father to deflower her.

From Project Gutenberg