Wussify

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. to weaken an individual's resolve or bravery
2. To cause someone to become less bold or brave, reducing their confidence or spirit
3. To transform a person into someone more fearful or less willing to face challenges

Etymology: "Wussify" is simply "wuss" with the suffix "-ify", which turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning "to make into" or "to cause to be" something. A "wuss" is a timid or cowardly person, so to wussify someone is to make them less bold, reducing their nerve or spirit. The word is a straightforward formation in English, built from an existing slang noun rather than borrowed from another language. Its meaning follows directly from its parts, so there is no older sense to trace or surprising shift to report.

Synonyms: soften, weaken, feminize, emasculate, diminish

Antonyms: strengthen, toughen, empower, fortify, invigorate