What does virilised mean?
Virilised is the British English past participle and adjectival form of virilise; American speakers generally write virilized. It describes something made to possess, or having acquired, characteristics traditionally regarded as masculine, most notably a deep voice, facial hair, or a forceful, manly manner. In medicine, the term often refers to the development of male secondary sexual characteristics following androgen exposure. In social and literary contexts, it can describe a person, image, or performance that has been deliberately made to seem aggressively masculine. The word comes from Latin virilis, meaning “manly,” and is related to virile and virility. Its connotations depend heavily on context: in clinical writing it is descriptive, while in social criticism it may suggest exaggerated masculinity or the reduction of identity to masculine stereotypes. Because the wording of older medical literature can be dated or stigmatising, current discussion often specifies the relevant characteristic or bodily change rather than referring vaguely to a person as “virilised.”
Having acquired or been given characteristics traditionally regarded as masculine.
"The role demands a virilised voice and an imposing physical presence."
Common in medical descriptions of androgen-related changes and in figurative descriptions of deliberately masculine performance or appearance.
To make virile or masculine in character; to develop masculine characteristics.
"Excess androgen can virilise the voice."
Usually transitive when referring to the production of masculine characteristics, although it can also be used intransitively in formal or literary contexts.
From Latin virilis, meaning “manly,” virilised preserves the idea that masculine qualities can be deliberately bestowed on a voice, body, or image.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of virilised
Virilised is an inflected form of the British English verb virilise, formed on the adjective virile with the suffix -ise. Virile derives from Latin virilis, meaning “manly” or “masculine,” and the same Latin root also underlies virility. The British -ise spelling is characteristic of British and Commonwealth usage, while the -ize form is standard in American English.
Related word forms
How virilised is actually used
The -ise spelling is standard in British and Commonwealth English, while -ized is usual in American English. In medicine, the term commonly refers to the development of male secondary sexual characteristics following androgen exposure. In social or literary contexts, it may describe deliberate exaggeration of masculine presentation and can carry a critical or reductive implication.
Easily confused with virilised
“Virilised” means made or rendered masculine, whereas “sterilised” means made infertile or unable to reproduce.