demasculinization
|de-mas-cu-li-ni-za-tion|
🇺🇸
/diˌmæskjʊlɪnaɪˈzeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/diːˌmæskjʊlɪnaɪˈzeɪʃən/
removal of masculine traits
Etymology
'demasculinization' originates from Modern English, specifically the word 'demasculinize' combined with the suffix '-ation', where the prefix 'de-' meant 'remove' or 'reverse' and 'masculinize' derived from Latin 'masculinus' meaning 'male'.
'masculinus' (Latin) gave rise to Old French and later Middle English forms such as 'masculine'; from this developed the verb 'masculinize/masculinise' and then the formed verb 'demasculinize' (by adding the prefix 'de-'), which yielded the noun 'demasculinization' through the suffix '-ation'.
Initially related to the Latin idea of 'male' or 'masculine' qualities, the element evolved through Middle English and Modern English into verbs and then the noun; 'demasculinization' specifically developed to mean the removal or reduction of those masculine qualities.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or result of removing or reducing masculine characteristics, qualities, or attributes.
The demasculinization of the company's leadership was part of a broader diversity initiative.
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Noun 2
in linguistics, the removal or neutralization of masculine forms or markers in language (for example, replacing male-marked terms with gender-neutral alternatives).
Demasculinization of job titles has led to more gender-neutral language in official documents.
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Noun 3
a social or cultural shift in which traits, roles, or spaces traditionally associated with men become less dominant or are redefined.
Some critics argued that the demasculinization of certain sports reflected larger changes in cultural attitudes.
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Last updated: 2026/01/17 01:56