English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb

castrate

kas-TRAYT
Quiz me More like this

Castrate (verb) means to surgically remove the testicles (or, in females, the ovaries) of an animal or person. Example: “The vet recommended they castrate the young bull.”

verb
1
To surgically remove the testicles (or, in females, the ovaries) of an animal or person.
"The vet recommended they castrate the young bull."
2
To weaken something drastically, stripping it of its power or effectiveness.
"Critics said the new amendment would castrate the original bill."

How to use castrate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo remove reproductive organs, or figuratively, to strip something of its power or force.

Common pairings
castrate an animal castrate a proposal
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like castrate.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
castrates
Third person singular
castrates
Past tense
castrated
Test yourself on “castrate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The vet recommended they _____ the young bull.

Etymology

From Latin castrare, "to prune or cut away."

Origin: Latin

shorten demasculinise emasculate expurgate bowdlerise bowdlerize demasculinize geld spay f neuter sterilize alter

Related words

Rhymes for castrate

See all rhymes for castrate →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of castrate?
"castrate" (verb) means to surgically remove the testicles (or, in females, the ovaries) of an animal or person.
What is another word for castrate?
Other words for "castrate" include shorten, demasculinise, emasculate, geld, spay f, neuter.
What are the different meanings of castrate?
"castrate" has 2 main meanings: 1. To surgically remove the testicles (or, in females, the ovaries) of an animal or person; 2. To weaken something drastically, stripping it of its power or effectiveness.
How do you use castrate in a sentence?
Example: "The vet recommended they castrate the young bull."

People also searched