'masculinize' originates from French, specifically the word 'masculiniser' and ultimately from Latin 'masculinus', where the root 'mascul-' meant 'male'.

'masculinize' changed from French 'masculiniser' (borrowed into English) and ultimately derives from Latin 'masculinus', and eventually became the modern English word 'masculinize' through borrowing and suffixation.

Initially, it meant 'to make male or give male characteristics', and over time it has retained that core meaning while also being used more broadly as 'to make more masculine in appearance, behavior, or character.'