deflower

verb

de·​flow·​er (ˌ)dē-ˈflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce deflower (audio)
deflowered; deflowering; deflowers

transitive verb

1
: to deprive of virginity
2
: to take away the prime beauty of
deflowerer noun

Examples of deflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While da Silva’s block of the Sunset may have been deflowered, the mural lives on via social media. — Tony Bravo, SFChronicle.com, 11 June 2019 In the first episode of the third season, Miranda deflowers a Canadian nun played by Rosie O’Donnell! — Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 12 June 2025 By her side was Ryan Phillippe’s Sebastian Valmont, who — responding to a bet from Kathryn — sets out to deflower the new headmaster’s virginal daughter Annette (Reese Witherspoon) before the start of term. — Alexia Fernandez, PEOPLE.com, 13 Feb. 2018 The quasi-autobiographical story details how her horseback riding instructor (played by Elizabeth Debicki) and running coach (Jason Ritter) allegedly conspired to deflower her. — Deirdre Durkan, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deflouren, from Middle French or Late Latin; Old French desflorer, from Late Latin deflorare, from Latin de- + flor-, flos flower — more at blow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deflower was in the 14th century

Rhymes for deflower

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Browse Nearby Words

defloration
deflower
defluent
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflower. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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