sexualization

American  

[sek-shoo-uh-lahy-zey-shuhn, seks-yoo-] / ˌsɛk ʃu ə laɪˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌsɛks yu- /

especially British, sexualisation

noun

1. the act of endowing with sexual characteristics, or of excessively emphasizing those characteristics.

   In the real world, the sexualization of girls isn't confined to beauty pageants.

   Parents and other concerned adults have begun grassroots campaigns to counteract sexualization in advertising.

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Etymology

Origin of sexualization

sexual ( def. ) + -ization ( def. )

Example Sentences

Kinkade’s enormous 1990s-era success, which saw his work reproduced on everything from collectible plates to La-Z-Boy loungers, dovetailed with the period’s culture war against the sexualization of art.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2025

How have you responded to naysayers who may have disregarded some of the interviewees' claims of racism, sexism, and sexualization as subjective?

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2024

He has said he wants an education system that is "free from sexualization and harmful materials that are not age appropriate".

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2023

In qualifying on Sunday, however, the German team instead wore unitards that stretched to their ankles, intending to push back against sexualization of women in gymnastics.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2021

So, though I admire the German gymnasts’ statements, the glorious unitard is not just about fighting sexualization.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2021