The word "unsexes" is spelled with a prefix "un-" which means "not" and a verb "sexes" which means "to determine the sex of". It is pronounced /ʌnˈsɛksɪz/ with the stress on the second syllable. The sound of "un-" is /ʌn/ and it is followed by the sound of "s" /s/ in "sexes". The ending "-es" is pronounced as /ɪz/ because the last letter is "s" and it is immediately preceded by a voiced consonant. The word "unsexes" means "to deprive of sexual characteristics".
The term "unsexes" is a verb derived from the word "unsex," which refers to the process of removing or depriving someone, typically a woman, of their perceived femininity or gender-specific attributes. It can also pertain to eliminating or suppressing the sexual characteristics or qualities associated with one's assigned sex, dependent on the context in which it is used.
In a sociocultural context, "unsexes" can be interpreted as a societal or cultural action, whereby individuals or institutions attempt to negate or diminish someone's feminine qualities or behaviors, often in an effort to conform to traditional gender roles or expectations. This can involve forcing individuals to adopt stereotypical masculine traits, suppressing gender expression, or discouraging individuals from embracing their feminine identity.
In a literary context, "unsexes" is commonly associated with Shakespeare's play Macbeth, where the character Lady Macbeth explicitly requests to be "unsexed" in order to rid herself of traditional feminine qualities that she believes hinder her ability to carry out morally reprehensible actions. The term here signifies an intentional removal of femininity or womanhood to facilitate a more assertive, ruthless, or morally ambiguous persona.
Overall, "unsexes" is a verb that conveys the action of deconstructing or eliminating gender-specific qualities or attributes, either voluntarily or involuntarily, in accordance with societal expectations or personal desires.
The word "unsexes" is derived from the Old English word "unsecan" which means to deprive of one's gender or sex. The prefix "un-" denotes negation or reversal, while "sexes" is a verb form related to the concept of gender or sex.