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).

Origin of infibulate

1
First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin infībulāt(us), past participle of infībulāre “to fasten the prepuce with a clasp,” equivalent to in-2 preposition and prefix +fībulāre “to knit together, join,” verbal derivative of fībula “pin, clasp”; see origin at in-2, fibula

Other words from infibulate

  • in·fib·u·la·tion, noun

Words Nearby infibulate

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British Dictionary definitions for infibulate

infibulate

/ (ɪnˈfɪbjʊˌleɪt) /


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

Origin of infibulate

1
C17: from Latin infībulāre, from in- ² + fibula clasp, fibula

Derived forms of infibulate

  • infibulation, noun

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