What does deflower mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/?d?fl?u?r/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of plucking or cutting off the flowers of a plant, often before they have reached full maturity, typically to stop them from going to seed or to improve appearance.

Etymology

The word “deflower” comes from the Old French word “dé fleur”, meaning “to take away the flower”, which is derived from the Latin words “de” meaning “from” and “flos” meaning “flower”.

Usage Notes

Deflower is often used in horticulture and gardening, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe the suppression or removal of something floral or beautiful.

Cultural References

In popular culture, the phrase “to deflower” is often used in literature and music to describe the loss of innocence or the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• to deflower the garden

Related Words or Phrases

• Blossom
• Flower

Collocations

• To deflower a bouquet
• To deflower a bed of roses

Frequency of Use

The word “deflower” is relatively rare in modern language, but it is still used in certain contexts, particularly in horticulture and gardening.

Common Misspellings

• Defflour
• Deflouer