e|mas|cu|late

e|mas|cu|late «verb. ih MAS kyuh layt; adjective. ih MAS kyuh liht, -layt», verb, -lat|ed, -lat|ing, adjective.

–v.t.

1. to remove the male reproductive glands of; castrate.

2. Figurative. to destroy the force of; weaken: »

The editor emasculated the speech by cutting out its strongest passages. The Government appealed to the Supreme Court, claiming this decision “emasculates” the law (Wall Street Journal).

–adj.

deprived of force or vigor; weakened; effeminate: »

... contemptuous of the fallacious notion that public service broadcasting need be square or emasculate (New Statesman).

╂[< Latin ēmasculāre (with English -ate¹) < ex- away + masculus male (diminutive) < mās, maris manly, male]