infibulate

American  

[in-fib-yuh-leyt] / ɪnˈfɪb yəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

infibulated, infibulating

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).

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infibulate British  

/ ɪnˈfɪbjʊˌleɪt /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• infibulation noun

Etymology

Origin of infibulate

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. )