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infibulate

[ in-fib-yuh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·fib·u·lat·ed, in·fib·u·lat·ing.
  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).


infibulate

/ ɪnˈfɪbjʊˌleɪt /

verb

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


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Derived Forms

  • inˌfibuˈlation, noun

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Other Words From

  • in·fibu·lation noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of infibulate1

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 )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of infibulate1

C17: from Latin infībulāre, from in- ² + fibula clasp, fibula

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infeudationinfibulation