deflower
UK[diːˈflaʊə(r)]US[diːˈflaʊər]
v
To have sexual intercourse with (a woman who is a virgin).
v
To spoil or ruin the beauty, purity, or freshness of something.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
flower
de
remove
flower
virginity, purity
Etymology
The word "deflower" is a compound formed within Middle English from the prefix "de-" and the noun "flower." The prefix "de-," derived from Latin, conveys a sense of removal or deprivation. The noun "flower," from Old French flour (modern fleur), itself from Latin flōs, flōr-, was used figuratively from at least the 14th century to symbolize a state of pristine beauty, innocence, or virginity. Thus, the literal construction "to remove the flower" evolved into the specific metaphorical meaning of depriving a woman of her virginity. Over time, the term's application broadened to describe the act of spoiling anything in its prime or pure state, though the primary association remains with the loss of virginity.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + flower (virginity, purity)
de: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "down, away, off, removal, reversal."
flower: A noun of Old French and Latin origin, used metaphorically to represent virginity, innocence, or the prime of beauty.
Examples
The tragic plot revolves around a young woman deflowered and then abandoned by a deceitful nobleman.
Critics argued that the new commercial development would deflower the natural beauty of the coastline.
In many historical novels, a great deal of drama hinges on the moment a heroine is deflowered.