infibulate

[ in-fib-yuh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·fib·u·lat·ed, in·fib·u·lat·ing.

1. to stitch together the vulva of (a girl or woman), often after a clitoridectomy, in order to prevent intercourse.
2. to stitch the prepuce of (a male).

infibulate

/ ɪnˈfɪbjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. tr to enclose (esp the genitals, to prevent sexual intercourse) with a clasp

Derived Forms

• inˌfibuˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• in·fibu·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infibulate¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin infībulāt(us), past participle of infībulāre “to fasten the prepuce with a clasp,” equivalent to in- ²( def ) preposition and prefix + fībulāre “to knit together, join,” verbal derivative of fībula “pin, clasp”; in- ²( def ), fibula ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of infibulate¹

C17: from Latin infībulāre, from in- ² + fibula clasp, fibula

Example Sentences

Infibulate, in-fib′ū-lāt, v.t. to clasp with a padlock.—n.

From Project Gutenberg