infibulate

[in-fib-yuh-leyt]

verb (used with object)

infibulated, infibulating 

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

2. to stitch the prepuce of (a male).

infibulate

/ ɪnˈfɪbjʊˌleɪt /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• infibulation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infibulate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of infibulate¹

C17: from Latin infībulāre, from _in- ² + fibula clasp, _fibula

Example Sentences

Infibulate, in-fib′ū-lāt, v.t. to clasp with a padlock.—n.

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