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Deflower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒธ
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deflower

[dษชหˆflaสŠษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

loss of virginity

To deflower means to take away a person's virginity, particularly in reference to a woman. This term is often associated with the sexual act of intercourse and carries a connotation of initiating someone into sexual experience. While it can also refer to the act of removing flowers from a plant, its primary usage in modern English tends to be more focused on the sexual implications. The term is somewhat archaic and can be viewed as objectifying.

Synonyms

defloration, devirginize, disvirginate.

Examples of usage

  • He felt it was time to deflower his girlfriend.
  • The novel describes the moment when she was deflowered.
  • They believed that love should precede the act of deflowering.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classic literature, the term is often used to signify the loss of virginity or awakening to adulthood.
  • Many poets have metaphorically used flowers to represent purity or youth that can be lost through experience.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures view the concept of purity and loss in varying ways, impacting how 'deflowering' is perceived.
  • In some societies, the idea is steeped in tradition and carries significant social implications.

Psychology

  • The term can evoke complex emotional responses tied to identity, personal growth, and societal expectations.
  • Psychological studies show that first experiences can shape an individualโ€™s perception of relationships.

Modern Usage

  • Contemporary language may use the term more loosely, referring to a range of 'first experiences' beyond just physical ones.
  • In popular media, it is often used to explore themes of innocence, identity, and maturity.

Origin of 'deflower'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'deflorer', which means to remove flowers or petals.
  • Historically, it has been linked to the idea of blooming, making it an allegory for important life changes.

The term 'deflower' appears to have originated in Middle English around the 14th century. It is a compound of 'de-' (meaning removal or reversal) and 'flower,' which in this context symbolizes virginity and purity, akin to the blooming of a flower. The idea behind deflowering is thus rooted in the metaphor of petals being removed from a flower as a loss of innocence or beauty. Historically, this term has been associated with the societal views on women's virginity, reflecting the complex and often problematic implications of sexuality. The word has transitioned through various usages over the centuries, but its most notable connotation remains linked to the sexual initiation of women, which reflects cultural attitudes towards female sexuality.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,594, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.