Associations to the word «Effeminate»

Wiktionary

EFFEMINATE, adjective. (often derogatory) (of a man or boy) Having behaviour or mannerisms considered unmasculine or typical of a woman or girl; feminine.
EFFEMINATE, adjective. (obsolete) womanly; tender
EFFEMINATE, verb. (archaic) To make womanly; to unman.

Dictionary definition

EFFEMINATE, adjective. Having unsuitable feminine qualities.

Wise words

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats