What does masculinise mean?
To masculinise means to make something masculine in appearance, character, status, or social meaning. The word can describe a design or image that conveys strength and traditionally masculine traits, but it is most often used in social and cultural contexts to identify the process by which an activity, profession, institution, or public image becomes associated with men and, historically, excludes or marginalizes women. For example, a campaign may masculinise a sport by portraying it as physically aggressive and competitive, while the arrival of women in a field may be said to change or challenge its masculine character. The term can also imply that a person has been pushed toward behavior regarded as characteristically male. Because of its critical and potentially ideological associations, “masculinise” is usually more appropriate in analysis, criticism, or discussion than in neutral description.
verbTo make something appear or feel masculine, or to cause someone to conform to masculine ideas or behavior. It can also mean to treat something as belonging to men rather than women.
- To make something appear, sound, or function in a masculine way.
- To cause a person to adopt behavior, attitudes, or a role regarded as traditionally masculine.
- To treat a person, thing, or activity as belonging to men or as an exclusively male domain.
"The advertisement was criticized for masculinising the sport and reinforcing stereotypes about its participants."
"The film was accused of masculinising a traditionally female sport."
"Public institutions were gradually masculinised as more women entered professional life."
Words ending in “-ise” often reveal a changing relationship with language: the spelling is more than a cosmetic choice, sometimes marking a regional tradition and sometimes signalling a deliberate reform.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of masculinise
The verb was formed in the 19th century from “masculine” plus the suffix “-ise.” “Masculine” comes through French from Latin masculinus, derived from masculus, meaning “male” or “belonging to a man.” The related nouns “masculinity” and “masculinism” continue this Latin family of words.
Related word forms
How masculinise is actually used
The verb can describe both deliberate cultural or institutional change and the perceived effect of language, imagery, or design. It is often critical, implying that an activity or identity has been associated with men to the exclusion of women. In American English, “masculinize” is the standard spelling.
Easily confused with masculinise
“Masculinise” is the usual British spelling, while “masculinize” is the usual American spelling of the same verb.