VocabDictionary

defloration

/ˌdiːfləˈreɪʃən/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The act of depriving a person of their virginity; the rupture of the hymen.

Example Sentences:
  • In various historical and anthropological texts, the ritual of defloration was often documented as a rite of passage.
  • The medical literature uses the term to describe the physical changes associated with the first instance of sexual intercourse.
2.noun

The act of stripping something of its flowers or blossoms; the state of being stripped of beauty or freshness.

Example Sentences:
  • The defloration of the garden by the early frost left the landscape looking desolate.
  • He lamented the defloration of the pristine wilderness by industrial development.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “defloration”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Late Latin 'defloratio', from the verb 'deflorare' (to strip of flowers), composed of the prefix 'de-' (away/off) and 'flos' (flower). Historically, it was used metaphorically to describe the act of depriving something of its beauty or prime, before becoming a clinical or euphemistic term for the loss of virginity.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'de-' (removing) + 'flora' (flowers/bloom); it is the act of removing the 'bloom' or innocence of a person.

Frequently Asked Questions About “defloration

1. What is the meaning of “defloration” in English?

In English, defloration (noun) is defined as: “The act of depriving a person of their virginity; the rupture of the hymen.”.

2. How do you use “defloration” in a sentence?

In various historical and anthropological texts, the ritual of defloration was often documented as a rite of passage.

3. What are English synonyms of “defloration”?

Common synonyms include:deflowering,deflorate,loss of virginity

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “defloration”?

Derived from the Late Latin 'defloratio', from the verb 'deflorare' (to strip of flowers), composed of the prefix 'de-' (away/off) and 'flos' (flower). Historically, it was used metaphorically to describe the act of depriving something of its beauty or prime, before becoming a clinical or euphemistic term for the loss of virginity.