objectify

[uhb-jek-tuh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

objectified, objectifying 

1. to present as an object, especially of sight, touch, or other physical sense; make objective; externalize.

2. to treat (a person) as an object or thing.

   Women are objectified and their physical attributes highlighted in ways that do not apply to men.

objectify

/ əbˈdʒɛktɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to represent concretely; present as an object

Other Word Forms

• objectification noun
• overobjectification noun
• overobjectify verb (used with object)
• unobjectified adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of objectify¹

First recorded in 1830–40; object + -ify

Example Sentences

“So it’s not like she was objectifying you. She was actually looking to express something from within you and make sure that you’re so seated in your body that the collision can create something new.”

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These people are dehumanized and objectified as “takers” and not “makers,” or as non-player characters in a video game.

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There was Serena Williams, whose dominance in the historically white sport of tennis rendered her athletic build fundamentally suspect, subjecting her to an objectifying scrutiny and racist caricature reminiscent of “Hottentot Venus” Sarah Baartman’s.

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Globally, beauty pageants have been criticised for objectifying women and reinforcing gender stereotypes.

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What’s key to remember is that this new wave of hype surrounding East Asian media is less keen on whitewashing or objectifying than it may have been during previous eras.

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