sexualize

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

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

to render sexual; endow with sexual characteristics.

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

Origin of sexualize

First recorded in 1830–40; sexual + -ize

Related formssex·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

Contemporary Examples of 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
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

British Dictionary definitions for sexualize

sexualize

sexualise

verb

to make or become sexual or sexually aware

to give or acquire sexual associations

Derived Formssexualization 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

Word Origin and History for sexualize

1839, from sexual + -ize. Related: Sexualized; sexualizing.