Definition of emasculate

The word "emasculate" originated in the 15th century from the Latin words "emasculare," meaning "to castrate," and "masculus," meaning "masculine." The Latin verb "emasculare" was used to describe the act of removing the testicles of a male animal, thereby rendering it physically incapable of reproducing. The word was later borrowed into Middle English as "emasculaten," and initially retained its literal meaning of castration. However, over time, its meaning expanded to include the figurative sense of depriving something (usually an idea, concept, or activity) of its strength, power, or masculinity. In modern English, "emasculate" is often used to describe the process of diminishing or undermining something that was once strong or potent, often in a way that is perceived as negative or regrettable.