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

“We also prohibit content promoting exploitation, nonconsent, objectification, sexualization or harm to minors, and obscene behaviors,” X said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 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

But this shift can also be attributed to the way women have taken charge of the industry, using real talk to sell wellness rather than pseudoscience, and empowerment as opposed to sexualization.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2017

I think we should be aware of and speak out against the thin body ideal, the sexualization of children, and the use of digitally altered images in advertising.

From Slate • Sep. 27, 2012