infibulate

[ in-fib-yuh-leyt ]

verb (used with object),in·fib·u·lat·ed, in·fib·u·lat·ing.

to stitch together the vulva of (a girl or woman), often after a clitoridectomy, in order to prevent intercourse.
to stitch the prepuce of (a male).

Origin of infibulate

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin infībulāt(us), past participle of infībulāre “to fasten the prepuce with a clasp,” equivalent to in-² preposition and prefix + fībulāre “to knit together, join,” verbal derivative of fībula “pin, clasp”; see origin at in-², fibula

Other words from infibulate

in·fib·u·la·tion, noun

Words Nearby infibulate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for infibulate

infibulate

/ (ɪnˈfɪbjʊˌleɪt) /

verb

(tr) to enclose (esp the genitals, to prevent sexual intercourse) with a clasp

Origin of infibulate

C17: from Latin infībulāre, from in- ² + fibula clasp, fibula

Derived forms of infibulate

infibulation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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