devocalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “devocalize” mean?
To remove or silence the voice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To remove or silence the voice; to make voiceless, either literally or figuratively.
In phonetics, to deprive (a consonant) of its voiced quality; in wider contexts, to suppress or take away the ability to speak or express.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is equally technical and rare in both varieties. No significant spelling or form differences.
Connotations
In animal contexts, can carry a negative connotation of cruel or unnecessary mutilation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects; slightly more likely to be encountered in American texts related to veterinary surgery.
Grammar
How to Use “devocalize” in a Sentence
[Agent] devocalized [Patient] (e.g., The vet devocalized the dog).[Patient] was devocalized (e.g., The phoneme /b/ is devocalized in final position).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “devocalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The local council debated whether to allow breeders to devocalise persistent barking dogs.
- In some dialects, you devocalise the final 'g'.
American English
- Some states have moved to outlaw the ability to devocalize pets.
- The phonetic rule devocalizes the consonant in this context.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form. 'Devocalizingly' would be nonce.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form. 'Devocalizingly' would be nonce.]
adjective
British English
- [Rare as adjective; participial use:] The devocalised dog was much quieter.
- [Technical:] A devocalised phoneme
American English
- [Rare as adjective; participial use:] The devocalized animal could not bark.
- [Technical:] A devocalized segment
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in linguistic papers discussing phonological processes (e.g., final obstruent devoicing) and in veterinary science journals.
Everyday
Extremely rare; if used, it would be in a context discussing animal rights.
Technical
Primary domain. Veterinary surgery: 'The controversial practice to devocalize show dogs.' Phonetics: 'The plosive was devocalized in that environment.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devocalize”
- Confusing with 'demoralize' or 'devoice'. Spelling mistake: 'devocalise' (UK variant is also 'devocalize'). Using it as a synonym for simple 'quiet down'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In phonetics, they are largely synonymous. However, 'devoice' is the far more common term among linguists. 'Devocalize' has the additional specific meaning in veterinary contexts.
It can be used figuratively ('The repressive regime devocalized its critics'), but this is a highly literary or academic usage. In everyday language, 'silence', 'muzzle', or 'gag' would be more natural.
In phonetics, the opposite is 'voice' or 'vocalize'. In the general sense, it's 'give voice to' or 'vocalize'.
Laws vary by country and region. In many places, it is restricted or banned except for specific medical necessities, while in others it may still be permitted. It is a subject of ethical debate.
To remove or silence the voice.
Devocalize is usually technical / academic in register.
Devocalize: in British English it is pronounced /diːˈvəʊkəlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /diˈvoʊkəˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this rare word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DE-VOICE-alize. 'DE' means remove, 'VOCAL' means voice/voice box, '-IZE' means to make. So, 'to make voiceless'.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOICE IS POWER; therefore, DEVOCALIZE IS DISEMPOWERMENT / SILENCING IS A FORM OF MUTILATION.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'devocalize' most technically precise?