circumcise

[ sur-kuhm-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, cir·cum·cised, cir·cum·cis·ing.

1. to remove the prepuce of (a male), especially as a religious rite.
2. to remove the clitoris, prepuce, or labia of (a female).
3. to purify spiritually.

circumcise

/ ˈsɜːkəmˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to remove the foreskin of (a male)
2. to incise surgically the skin over the clitoris of (a female)
3. to remove the clitoris of (a female)
4. to perform the religious rite of circumcision on (someone)

Derived Forms

• ˈcircumˌciser, noun

Other Words From

• circum·ciser noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumcise¹

1200–50; Middle English circumcisen < Latin circumcīsus (past participle of circumcīdere to cut around), equivalent to circum- circum- + -cīsus ( -cīd- cut + -tus past participle suffix; -cide )

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumcise¹

C13: from Latin circumcīdere, from circum- + caedere to cut

Example Sentences

Somalia tops the list of countries where the practice, also known as female circumcision, is prevalent, with 99% of the female population between the ages of 15 and 49 having been circumcised.

From Seattle Times

Last year, a heavily pregnant congregant, knowing she would give birth to a boy, asked that he be circumcised — and that the bris be held on the eighth day of his life, as tradition demands.

From Los Angeles Times

Finally, your mother has to kill two or three goats to make a leather coat for you, because for a month before you’re circumcised, you have to wear leather.

From Literature

"I hope you have a nice life riding Ben Gross' circumcised d**k," is a pretty memorable public takedown.

From Salon

“Europa Europa” depicted one of his constant struggles: Every shower or medical examination, which might have revealed that Mr. Perel was circumcised, was a threat to his survival.

From Washington Post