EMASCULATE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'emasculate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emasculate are enervate , unman , and unnerve . While all these words mean "to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action," emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential. // an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards

Q: When is it sensible to use 'enervate' instead of 'emasculate'?

While the synonyms enervate and emasculate are close in meaning, enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort. // a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure

Q: When is 'unman' a more appropriate choice than 'emasculate'?

Although the words unman and emasculate have much in common, unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit. // a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle

Q: In what contexts can 'unnerve' take the place of 'emasculate'?

The meanings of unnerve and emasculate largely overlap; however, unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act. // unnerved by the near collision

emasculate

verb

i-ˈma-skyə-ˌlāt

Definition of emasculate next

as in to paralyze

to deprive of courage or confidence being eliminated early in one's very first tennis tournament can be an emasculating experience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb emasculate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emasculate are enervate, unman, and unnerve. While all these words mean "to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action," emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential.

an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards

When is it sensible to use enervate instead of emasculate?

While the synonyms enervate and emasculate are close in meaning, enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort.

a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure

When is unman a more appropriate choice than emasculate?

Although the words unman and emasculate have much in common, unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit.

a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle

In what contexts can unnerve take the place of emasculate?

The meanings of unnerve and emasculate largely overlap; however, unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act.

unnerved by the near collision

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of emasculate My highest value is freedom, and everyone, including men, should be given the space to express themselves without being emasculated for it. —

Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Aug. 2024 Still, the episode belongs to Anita Barone and Amy Pietz as Larry’s dueling disabled dates (neither actress is actually disabled in real life, though Curb has historically cast disabled actors to play disabled characters), and Rosie O’Donnell as the latest foe to emasculate him. —

Larry Fitzmaurice, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2024 One of Modi’s successes has been not just to trounce the Congress Party but also to persuade people that the party has weakened India and emasculated its Hindus. —

Samanth Subramanian Vikas Adam Tanya Pérez Zachary Mouton, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2024 Rules changes designed to limit injuries caused returns to be emasculated over the years, leading to an all-time high of 78.3 percent touchbacks last season. —

Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for emasculate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emasculate

Verb

President Donald Trump called for unity in his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday morning — largely steering clear of addressing controversies around his actions cracking down on immigration and paralyzing federal efforts to distribute international aid.

— Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025
Heavy snowfall paralyzes mountain travel The Sierra Nevada has been buried under heavy snowfall, with accumulations exceeding a foot on Tuesday.

— Hanna Park and Robert Shackelford, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025