castrate

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a man who has been castrated and is incapable of reproduction
  2. verb deprive of strength or vigor
  3. verb edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

Etymology

Likely from an unattested sense of Middle English castrat (“(adjective) castrated; (noun) a castrated animal”), substantivized borrowing of Latin castrātus, perfect passive participle of castrō (“to prune, amputate, castrate”), see -ate (noun-forming suffix)).

Synonyms

eunuch

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