masculinize

verb

mas·​cu·​lin·​ize ˈma-skyə-lə-ˌnīz 

masculinized; masculinizing

transitive verb

: to give a chiefly masculine character to

especially : to cause (a female) to take on male characteristics

masculinization

ˌma-skyə-lə-nə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of masculinize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sisley’s biggest 2025 launch, the Sisleÿum for Men line includes four products—a gel cleanser, a hydrating toner, and two moisturizers—tailored to guys’ skin in ways that feel thoughtful, not merely masculinized. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025

Breast binders are compression garments worn to help women recover from mastectomies and also used to masculinize a person’s chest and reduce gender dysphoria. — Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2025

Abraham questioned why the jokes frequently came from men, why Erivo was being masculinized, and why audiences were responding with overwhelming enthusiasm. — Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

The measure, passed by the cabinet late on Monday but still subject to parliamentary approval, would regulate medicines such as puberty blockers and feminizing or masculinizing hormones for those under the age of 18 who are experiencing gender dysphoria. — Reuters, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for masculinize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Medical Definition

masculinize

transitive verb

mas·​cu·​lin·​ize

variants also British masculinise

ˈmas-kyə-lə-ˌnīz 

masculinized also British masculinised; masculinizing also British masculinising

: to give a preponderantly masculine character to

especially : to cause (a female) to take on male characteristics

masculinization noun

also British masculinisation

ˌmas-kyə-lə-nə-ˈzā-shən