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
Yet they and all of you are dreadfully exercised for fear having a vote would unsex women.
From The Convert by Elizabeth Robins
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 — Volume 1 by Frederick Niecks
Can a ballot in the hand of woman, and dignity on her brow, more unsex her than do a scepter and a crown?
From History of Woman Suffrage, Volume II by Elizabeth Cady Stanton
When opposed, the protagonists of this position cry that their opponent wishes to unsex women; to repudiate motherhood; and see in all the natural development of the modern woman only a threat of decreased population.
From The Forerunner, Volume 1 (1909-1910) by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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