unsex
Americanverb (used with object)
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to render (an animal or person) unable to reproduce sexually, as by removing the testicles or ovaries.
A gelding is a male horse that has been unsexed and cannot breed.
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to deprive (oneself or another person) of the qualities or character considered typical or desirable for one's gender.
Those against female suffrage claimed that the right to vote would unsex women, leaving them unable to care for their homes and children.
verb
Etymology
Origin of unsex
Vocabulary lists containing unsex
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lady Macbeth has no such qualms when she’s summoning evil spirits to unsex her in “Macbeth.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 17, 2026
Beat purer, heart, and higher, Till God unsex thee on the heavenly shore Where unincarnate spirits purely aspire!
From Frederick Chopin, as a Man and Musician — Complete by Frederick Niecks
Much less had he lowered his hostile flag to salute her; but he knew instinctively that Harold Jones was the sort of a boy who would unsex himself by looking at a baby.
From The Court of Boyville by Orson Lowell
Come, come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here; And fill me from the crown to the toe, top full Of direst cruelty!
From Shakspere, Personal Recollections by John A. Joyce
Half an hour later the boys in the barn heard Mrs. Jones's voice calling,— The sort of boy who would unsex himself by looking at a baby.
From The Court of Boyville by Orson Lowell
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