What does vasectomise mean?
Vasectomise is the British-English verb for performing a vasectomy, a surgical procedure that makes a man infertile by cutting or blocking the vas deferens. The vas deferens carries sperm from the testes toward the ejaculate; interrupting it prevents sperm from being released during ejaculation. The operation does not remove the testes, and it does not generally reduce the production of testosterone or the ability to have sexual intercourse. Although vasectomisation is often chosen as a permanent form of contraception, the extent to which it can be reversed depends on the individual circumstances. In American English, the usual spelling of the verb is “vasectomize,” while the related noun “vasectomy” is used in both varieties. The word is most often encountered in medical, biographical, and public-health contexts, where it refers specifically to a reproductive operation rather than the more general process of sterilisation.
verbTo sterilize a man surgically by cutting or blocking the vas deferens, preventing sperm from reaching the ejaculate.
- To perform a vasectomy on a man, surgically cutting or blocking the vas deferens to prevent sperm from reaching the ejaculate.
"The surgeon vasectomised the patient as a permanent method of contraception."
"He was vasectomised after deciding that he had completed his family."
"The veterinary surgeon vasectomised the dog to prevent it from reproducing."
A vasectomy makes a man infertile without removing his testes: the operation blocks the route rather than the source of sperm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vasectomise
The word belongs to a family of terms associated with the Latin vas deferens, the duct that carries sperm. “Vasectomy” combines this anatomical term with the surgical suffix “-ectomy,” derived from Greek ektomē, meaning excision or removal. The British-English verb “vasectomise” was formed from “vasectomy” with the suffix “-ise,” while “vasectomize” provides the corresponding American spelling.
Related word forms
How vasectomise is actually used
This spelling is standard in British English; American English normally uses “vasectomize.” It is a formal medical term, though it can be used conversationally when discussing permanent male contraception. It is more precise than “castrate,” because the testes are not removed.
Easily confused with vasectomise
A vasectomy is the surgical procedure itself, whereas to vasectomise means to perform that procedure on someone.
Vasectomisation blocks sperm transport while leaving the testes in place, whereas castration involves removal or destruction of the testes.