Emasculate: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'emasculare,' which means 'to make unmanly' or 'to castrate.'
• It combines 'e-' meaning 'out' with 'masculus,' a Latin word for 'male.'
• Originally, it referred specifically to the physical act of castration before evolving to broader meanings.

Cultural Context

• In some societies, emasculation has been linked with societal expectations of gender roles and masculinity.
• The term is often used in discussions about toxic masculinity, where emotional vulnerability in men is viewed negatively.
• Emasculation in literature often symbolizes a loss of power, reflecting deeper themes of control and societal norms.

Psychology

• Emotional emasculation can lead to psychological distress, impacting self-esteem and identity.
• Men may feel societal pressure to conform to rigid masculine norms, causing anxiety about being perceived as emasculated.
• Therapies focusing on gender identity often address feelings of emasculation to promote healthier self-perception.

Pop Culture

• Movies often depict emasculation as a theme where male characters are stripped of power or authority, such as in comedies or dramatic narratives.
• The portrayal of emasculation has spurred discussions around masculinity in popular media, influencing perceptions of gender roles.
• Famous literary works often feature male protagonists who undergo emasculation as part of their character development.

Historical Significance

• In ancient Rome, political power could be linked to perceptions of masculinity, with leaders employing rhetoric to emasculate their opponents.
• Historically, acts perceived as emasculating were used as punishment in various cultures to assert dominance or control.
• The women's suffrage movement highlighted the tension of masculinity, often leading to fears of emasculation among opponents.

This word's position of #34,278 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 34275 reorienting
• 34276 whitewater
• 34277 embezzle
• 34278 emasculate
• 34279 compendia
• 34280 solarium
• 34281 stooge
• ...