effeminize

[ih-fem-uh-nahyz]

verb (used with object)

effeminized, effeminizing 

1. to make effeminate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of effeminize¹

First recorded in 1605–15; effemin(ate) + -ize

Example Sentences

The diminutive form of that name has morphed into an effeminizing epithet that has a clear gender component, but not necessarily a sexual one.

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On the whole, men as a class probably show a preponderance of what may be termed masculine characteristics, as greater egoism, variability, activity; but these masculine characteristics have been modified, lessened, effeminized, so to speak.

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Love has the tendency to undermine the right and to effeminize society.

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And hearing himself thus effeminized, Ted winced and wondered if he had not better have asked her after all.

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He said that the influence of women on the Occidental man is effeminizing our civilization.

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