feminize

Feminize is a verb meaning to make something more feminine in appearance, function, or character; to imbue with female traits; or to become more feminine. The related noun feminization denotes the process itself, and in social contexts the term often refers to changes in gender roles or demographics. The word derives from feminine with the suffix -ize, ultimately from Latin femina, meaning woman.

In linguistics and language policy, feminization refers to the creation or promotion of feminine forms and the use of gender-inclusive language. This can include adopting feminine job titles, avoiding male-dominated general terms, or reviving feminine endings in languages with grammatical gender.

In sociology and labor studies, feminization describes the increasing participation of women in a field or occupation, or shifts in the characteristics traditionally associated with that field, such as perceptions of nursing or teaching as more feminine professions.

In medicine and gender-affirming care, feminization can refer to hormone therapy or surgical procedures undertaken to develop or enhance female secondary sexual characteristics, particularly for transgender women, as part of aligning physical attributes with gender identity.

In biology and horticulture, feminization may denote the production of female phenotypes or breeding methods that yield female-leaning plants, such as feminized seeds in cannabis and other crops. The term thus spans biological, medical, linguistic, and sociocultural domains, where it generally denotes a move toward traits or forms culturally associated with femininity.