neutered

Everyday

1. A neutered animal, like a cat or dog, has had a small operation by a vet so that it cannot have babies. tree →
2. (formal) Neutered can mean made weaker or less effective: a neutered law. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and pet care: owners get pets neutered to stop unwanted kittens and puppies. In science, vets and animal care. Related polite words: spayed (for females), "fixed" or "done" (informal, US/Canada/Australia). Phrases: get a pet neutered, neutered male.

Examples

• Our cat has been neutered. tree →
• The vet neutered the puppy. tree →
• Neutered pets cannot have babies. tree →
• The rescue centre only rehomes neutered dogs. tree →
• "Is your rabbit neutered?" asked the vet. tree →
• Having pets neutered stops there being too many strays. tree →
• The new rule was neutered by changes and did very little. tree →
• Our tom cat is neutered, so he won't father kittens. tree →

Note

Regular verb: neuter, neutered. "Spayed" is often used for females, "neutered" for males or both. Euphemism: "fixed". Pronounced NYOO-terd (US: NOO-terd).