What does "devirginate" mean?
To deprive of virginity; to deflower.
Devirginate
/diːˈvɜː(ɹ)dʒɪneɪt/ adj, verb
adj, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To deprive of virginity; to deflower.
- Grammar: devirginate is listed as adj, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: deflower, rape, ravish, take.
- Usage evidence: a profligate Christian attempted to devirginate a Maid, but the Mother being present, resisted him, and endeavouring to free her from his intended Rape, whereat the Spaniard enrag'd, cut off her Hand with a short Sword, and stab'd the Virgin in several places, till she Expir'd
How to use "devirginate"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "devirginate" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "devirginate" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "devirginate" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "devirginate" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "devirginate" is acting as adj, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "deflower" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To deprive of virginity; to deflower. obsolete
"a profligate Christian attempted to devirginate a Maid, but the Mother being present, resisted him, and endeavouring to free her from his intended Rape, whereat the Spaniard enrag'd, cut off her Hand with a short Sword, and stab'd the Virgin in several places, till she Expir'd"
Adjective
- 1 Deprived of virginity. not-comparable, obsolete, rare
"Fair Hero, left devirginate, Weighs and with fury wails her state: But with her love and woman wit She argues, and approveth it."
Example
"a profligate Christian attempted to devirginate a Maid, but the Mother being present, resisted him, and endeavouring to free her from his intended Rape, whereat the Spaniard enrag'd, cut off her Hand with a short Sword, and stab'd the Virgin in several places, till she Expir'd"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "devirginate"?
Common synonyms include: deflower, rape, ravish, take, violate.
How do you use "devirginate" in a sentence?
a profligate Christian attempted to devirginate a Maid, but the Mother being present, resisted him, and endeavouring to free her from his intended Rape, whereat the Spaniard enrag'd, cut off her Hand with a short Sword, and stab'd the Virgin in several places, till she Expir'd
How do you pronounce "devirginate"?
Pronounced /diːˈvɜː(ɹ)dʒɪneɪt/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
First attested in 1583; borrowed from Latin dēvirginātus, perfect passive participle of dēvirginō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix).
Etymology 2
First attested in c. 1470, in Middle English; inherited from Middle English devirginat(e), borrowed from Latin dēvirginātus, see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more.