virilize

verb

vir·​il·​ize ˈvir-ə-ˌlīz 

virilized; virilizing

transitive verb

1

: to make virile

You almost have to commend the writers for resisting the urge to virilize her even further, with a name like Sam or Hunter.

—Ginia Bellafante

2

: to cause or produce virilization in

virilized adjective

virilized females

virilizing adjective

virilizing adrenal tumors [=adrenal tumors that cause virilization]

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

virilize

transitive verb

vir·​il·​ize

variants also British virilise

ˈvir-ə-ˌlīz 

virilized also British virilised; virilizing also British virilising

: to make virile

especially : to cause or produce virilization in