effeminization
- noun
- /ˌɛfɪˌmɪnaɪˈzeɪʃən/
- US
:
afeminización
- The movie depicts the effeminization of male characters, highlighting societal expectations of masculinity.
Examples
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Many critics argue that the effeminization of young boys in advertising influences their self-image.
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The effeminization of fashion trends has made traditionally masculine styles more colorful and soft.
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At this moment of emasculation—effeminization—Henri vows to kill Paquita.
Academic text (1997)
Synonyms
1
7.6
Body changes in a man that lead to female physical features
Changing media and stories to appeal mainly to women by adding romantic or feminine images and language
Antonyms
- Specialized
1
9.9
A female developing male physical features because of male hormones or health problems
How Feminine
Surface Forms
Morphology
effeminization = effeminize (semi-transparent) = effemin + ize + ation
The word is a regular noun formation from effeminize, and the meaning 'the process of making more feminine' is broadly recoverable, though the stem is learned rather than fully transparent.
Etymology
The word effeminization comes from the Latin verb effeminare, meaning 'to make like a woman', with the root femina 'woman' that we see in female and feminine. So it means making a person or thing more feminine in look, behavior, or style.