circumcise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 - Low frequency, specialized/formal register.Formal, medical, religious, anthropological; rare in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “circumcise” mean?
To surgically remove the foreskin of the penis, often for religious, cultural, or medical reasons.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To surgically remove the foreskin of the penis, often for religious, cultural, or medical reasons.
Figuratively, to remove what is considered unnecessary, impure, or extraneous. Also used in some translations for the ritual removal of the female clitoral hood (female circumcision).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. The topic is discussed with similar vocabulary.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word is strongly associated with specific religious and cultural practices. In public health discourse, it's discussed in the context of HIV prevention.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, appearing in similar contexts (religious texts, medical literature, anthropological studies).
Grammar
How to Use “circumcise” in a Sentence
[VERB] + [OBJECT: person/body part][PASSIVE] + be circumcised + [ADVERBIAL: at birth, ritually]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “circumcise” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mohel will circumcise the infant on the eighth day.
- The community's boys are traditionally circumcised before puberty.
American English
- Some parents choose to circumcise their sons for perceived health benefits.
- He was circumcised shortly after birth in the hospital.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in medical research, public health studies, religious studies, and anthropological papers.
Everyday
Very rare in casual talk. Might be used when discussing family religious practices or personal medical decisions.
Technical
Standard term in urology, pediatric surgery, and epidemiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “circumcise”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “circumcise”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “circumcise”
- Misspelling as 'circumsize'. Using as a general synonym for 'cut' (too specific).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes. While 'female circumcision' is a term sometimes used, the recommended modern terminology for procedures on female genitalia is 'female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)' due to its different nature and ethical implications.
Rarely. It appears in some religious or literary texts in a metaphorical sense, e.g., 'circumcise your hearts' (meaning to remove impurity from one's thoughts).
'Circumcise' is highly specific to the removal of the foreskin. 'Excise' is a general surgical term meaning to cut out or remove tissue, organs, or growths.
'Circumcised' is the standard spelling in both British and American English. 'Circumcized' is a common misspelling.
To surgically remove the foreskin of the penis, often for religious, cultural, or medical reasons.
Circumcise is usually formal, medical, religious, anthropological; rare in casual conversation. in register.
Circumcise: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜːkəmsaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɜːrkəmsaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CIRCUM (around) + CISE (cut). Think: 'To cut around' the foreskin.
Conceptual Metaphor
CIRCUMCISION IS PURIFICATION / A RITE OF PASSAGE.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative, literary sense, 'to circumcise' can mean: