1. to make or become effeminate; to weaken or reduce the strength or vigor of
Usage: third person singular present tense or plural form; formal or literary

1. plural of effeminate; people regarded as having characteristics traditionally associated with women
Usage: plural form; often considered offensive or derogatory

Examples

• A sedentary lifestyle effeminates the body and reduces physical endurance.
• Excessive luxury effeminates the character of a nation.
• The critic argued that modern society effeminates young men through overprotection.
• Historical texts sometimes used the term effeminates to describe men who did not conform to masculine ideals.
• The philosopher warned that comfort effeminates the spirit and weakens moral resolve.