Defeminizations

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The process of removing or reducing female representation or characteristics in a particular context or discourse
2. A shift in societal or cultural norms aimed at diminishing the roles and visibility of women
3. The act of altering language, policies, or practices to eliminate female-centered perspectives or identities

Etymology: "Defeminizations" is simply the plural of "defeminization," so its history is that of its parts. The base is "defeminize," formed by adding the verb-forming suffix "-ize" to "feminine" with the sense of stripping away feminine qualities, and the noun is then made by adding the suffix "-ation," which turns a verb into a noun naming the act or process. Together the word names the act of removing or reducing female presence or characteristics in a setting or argument. The plural simply counts separate instances of that process, such as several cases in different contexts where female representation has been reduced. Because the formation is transparent, English speakers can build such nouns freely from any verb ending in "-ize," so the word needs no special story beyond its two suffixes.