castration

[ kas-trey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the removal of the testes.
2. the removal of the ovaries.
3. Psychology. the rendering or condition of impotency, literally or metaphorically, as a result of psychological means, especially the willful threat to a person's masculinity or femininity.
4. the deprivation of strength, power, or efficiency:

   the castration of our morale by a ruthless leader.

Word History and Origins

Origin of castration¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Old French or Latin castrātiōn- stem of castrātiō “emasculation”; castrat(e) ( def ), -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

I know that the side effects of hormone treatment, horrifyingly referred to “chemical castration,” can be permanent.

From Los Angeles Times

Lawmakers also advanced first-in-the-nation measures like designating abortion pills as dangerous controlled substances and allowing judges to order surgical castration of child sex offenders.

From New York Times

While castration is often associated with men, Barrow said the law could be applied to women, too.

From Seattle Times

Ms Carberry KC said the group used a "wide variety of tools" for their procedures including clamps used for "animal castration".

From BBC

Ventura has indicated he is prepared to drop some of Chega’s more controversial proposals, such as chemical castration for some sex offenders, if that opens the door to a governing alliance with other right-of-center parties.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• sterilization