'''Defeminization''' is a term inIn developmental [[biology]],especiallyand [[zoology]], referring'''defeminization''' tois an aspect of the process of [[sexual differentiation]] by which a potential female-specific structure, function, or behavior is prevented from developingchanged by one of the processes of male development.<ref>{{Cite Althoughweb|url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/defeminization|title=Defeminization thedefinition termand mightmeaning seem{{!}} toCollins implyEnglish "removal"Dictionary|website=www.collinsdictionary.com|language=en|access-date=2017-11-26}}</ref> of female characteristics, in nearly all biological contexts it refers to ''prevention'' of an aspect of female development.
In human sexual differentiation, the best known example of this is the prevention of development of the [[müllerian duct]] derivatives by [[anti-müllerian hormone]] (AMH) in the 3rd and 4th months of [[fetus|fetal]] development, though the term is not commonly used in discussions of human development.
In a number of non-human [[mammal]]s, there is evidence that hormones produced by the testes act directly on the [[brain]] to prevent development of female behavior, especially female [[reproductive behavior]].
