Emasculated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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emasculated

[ษชหˆmรฆs.kjสŠ.leษช.tษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

loss of strength

Emasculated refers to a state where someone feels deprived of their masculine identity, power, or strength. This term often implies a psychological or emotional dimension, where an individual may feel lessened in their masculinity, often due to social or relational dynamics. It can also refer to a literal loss of male reproductive organs, which can carry significant implications in various contexts, including psychological effects on the person affected.

Synonyms

debilitated, diminished, disempowered, weakened.

Examples of usage

  • He felt emasculated after losing the debate.
  • The character in the novel was emasculated by societal expectations.
  • The failure of his business left him feeling emasculated.
  • He feared emasculation in relationships where he felt controlled.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, the concept of masculinity is closely tied to strength and power, making the idea of being emasculated particularly impactful.
  • Media representations often show emasculated characters as those who have lost their job, family, or authority, reflecting societal fears of losing traditional masculine roles.
  • The term can be used metaphorically in literature and art to describe characters who experience a loss of power or agency.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that feelings of emasculation can lead to anxiety and depression in men who feel their identities are tied to traditional masculinity.
  • Emasculation often correlates with societal pressures; when men do not meet cultural expectations, it can lead to a crisis of self-worth.
  • Conversely, some psychological theories propose that confronting feelings of emasculation can lead to healthier emotional expressions and stronger identities.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books frequently explore emasculation as a central theme, often portraying characters who struggle with their identities in the face of loss.
  • Comedic portrayals in cartoons and sitcoms sometimes depict emasculated characters for humor, creating a contrast to traditional masculine norms.
  • The term is found in music and lyrics, often used to express frustration around societal expectations of male behavior.

Education

  • Discussions about gender and power dynamics in classrooms can lead to a deep understanding of how the concept of emasculation affects men's mental health.
  • Research projects often examine how literature and media portrayals perpetuate or challenge the idea of masculinity and its crises.
  • Educational programs that focus on emotional intelligence for boys can help counteract the negative effects of societal emasculation.

Origin of 'emasculated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'emasculare', which means 'to make less male' or 'to deprive of manliness'.
  • Historically, this term has roots in the idea of removing physical capabilities or strengths, often symbolically related to masculinity.
  • It was used in the context of surgery in ancient times, specifically relating to castration.

The term 'emasculated' originates from the Latin word 'emasculare', which means 'to remove the male organs'. This was derived from 'e-' (an alternative spelling of 'ex-', meaning 'out of') and 'masculinus' meaning 'male'. The use of the term has evolved to encompass both literal and metaphorical meanings in English, emerging around the 17th century. It initially referred strictly to the physical act of castration but gradually incorporated broader implications related to masculinity and male identity, especially in contexts discussing gender roles and social standing. In contemporary usage, it often highlights issues surrounding vulnerability, power dynamics in relationships, and societal expectations of masculinity.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,940, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.