effeminate

1. 1

   Of a boy or man, exhibiting behavior or mannerisms considered typical of a woman or unmasculine.derogatoryoften

   • An effeminate and unmanly foppery.
   • The Comte d'Artois had neither the dignified nor the manly air of his brother—he rather appeared like a pretty-looking girl, so effeminate was he and fair.
2. 2

   Womanly; tender, affectionate, caring.obsolete

   • Gentle, kind, effeminate remorse.

syn. camp · swish · epicene · effete · feminine · unmanly

ant. uneffeminate · noneffeminate · non-effeminate

1. 1

   To make womanly; to unman.archaicnonstandardtransitive

   • the studie of sciences doth more weaken and effeminate mens minds, than corroborate and adapt them to warre.
2. 2

   To become womanly.intransitive

ant. immasculate

1. 1

   An effeminate person.

   • The effeminates are males with obviously recognizable traits and mannerisms; […]