sexualize

verb

sex·​u·​al·​ize ˈsek-sh(ə-)wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce sexualize (audio)
ˈsek-shə-ˌlīz
sexualized; sexualizing

transitive verb

: to make sexual : endow with a sexual character or cast

Examples of sexualize 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.
Photographers and other men offer to build online followings for young girls, but some are pedophiles who work with parents to sexualize them. Jennifer Valentino-Devries, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 This year, new AI tools allowed people to sexualize and humiliate young women with the click of a button. Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024 Taylor Sheridan often has pretty solid female characters in his shows, but Landman’s feel one-dimensional and weirdly sexualized, especially the 17-year-old daughter of Billy Bob Thornton’s character. Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 The parts that were once sexualized by the male gaze are warped and placed on the head. Whitney Friedlander, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sexualize 

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexualize was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near sexualize

Cite this Entry

“Sexualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexualize. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

sexualize

transitive verb
sex·​u·​al·​ize
variants also British sexualise
sexualized also British sexualised; sexualizing also British sexualising
: to make sexual : endow with a sexual character or quality
sexualization noun
also British sexualisation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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