virilize

verb

vir·​il·​ize ˈvir-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce virilize (audio)
virilized; virilizing

transitive verb

1
: to make virile
You almost have to commend the writers for resisting the urge to virilize her even further, with a name like Sam or Hunter.—Ginia Bellafante
2
: to cause or produce virilization in
virilized adjective
virilized females
virilizing adjective
virilizing adrenal tumors [=adrenal tumors that cause virilization]

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of virilize was in 1894

Dictionary Entries Near virilize

virilization

virilize

virilocal

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Virilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virilize. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

virilize

transitive verb
vir·​il·​ize
variants also British virilise
ˈvir-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce virilize (audio)
virilized also British virilised; virilizing also British virilising
: to make virile
especially : to cause or produce virilization in
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