sexualize

[ sek-shoo-uh-lahyz or, esp. British, seks-yoo- ]

/ ˈsɛk ʃu əˌlaɪz or, esp. British, ˈsɛks yu- /

verb (used with object), sex·u·al·ized, sex·u·al·iz·ing.

to render sexual; endow with sexual characteristics.

Nearby words

sexual relations, sexual reproduction, sexual revolution, sexual selection, sexuality, sexualize, sexually transmitted disease, sexually transmitted diseases, sexwale, sexy, seychelles

Also especially British, sex·u·al·ise.

Origin of sexualize

First recorded in 1830–40; sexual + -ize

Related forms

sex·u·al·i·za·tion, nounde·sex·u·al·ize, verb (used with object), de·sex·u·al·ized, de·sex·u·al·iz·ing.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for sexualize

This maternal sensuality, she adds, is in no way an attempt to sexualize her children or herself.
Elinor Carucci Captures the Messy, Beautiful Reality of Motherhood|Amy Zimmerman|November 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Here, Donigan seems to sexualize their work, and inject some gender and power issues into their art-about-art premises.
Milk, the Other White Fluid|Blake Gopnik|May 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for sexualize

sexualize

sexualise

/ (ˈsɛksjʊəˌlaɪz) /

verb

to make or become sexual or sexually aware

to give or acquire sexual associations

Derived Forms

sexualization or sexualisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012