Effeminate

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ɛˈfÉ›mɪnÉ™t/, /ɪˈfÉ›mɪnÉ™t/

Origin

From Latin effēminātus, past participle of effēmināre.

Full definition of effeminate

Adjective

1. (often derogatory, of a man or boy) Having behaviour or mannerisms considered unmasculine or typical of a woman or girl; feminine.
• Bishop HurdAn effeminate and unmanly foppery.
2. (obsolete) womanly; tender
• ShakespeareGentle, kind, effeminate remorse.

Synonyms

• camp
• swish

Verb

1. (archaic) To make womanly; to unman.
• 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, Folio Society 2006, vol. 1 p. 134:the studie of sciences doth more weaken and effeminate mens minds, than corroborate and adapt them to warre.
• John LockeIt will not corrupt or effeminate children's minds.

Related terms

• effeminacy