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
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Indeed, the title of the series emphasizes how her approach invokes a broader, global discourse about the female body as a container of the concepts of the domestic, the sexualized, and the docile. María Elena Ortiz, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025 Thomas also opened up on the podcast about how she was sexualized by Hollywood in the 1980s. Victoria Edel, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025 The couple see numerous ethical breaches in the luxury industry, from the 2022 Balenciaga advertising scandal that sexualized children to recent accusations of labor exploitation throughout the luxury supply chain. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 From growing up in front of the camera, Brown has continued to be sexualized online, which led her to delete social media for a period in 2022 in addition to her problems with body image. Lexi Carson, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sexualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexualize. Accessed 7 Apr. 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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