sexualize

American  

[sek-shoo-uh-lahyz, seks-yoo-] / ˈsɛk ʃu əˌlaɪz, ˈsɛks yu- /

especially British, sexualise

verb (used with object)

sexualized, sexualizing

1. to render sexual; endow with sexual characteristics.

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sexualize British  

/ ˈsɛksjʊəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become sexual or sexually aware

2. to give or acquire sexual associations

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Other Word Forms

• desexualize verb (used with object)
• sexualization noun

Etymology

Origin of sexualize

First recorded in 1830–40; sexual + -ize

Example Sentences

Kids find feet goofy and funny, he said, and there was no effort to sexualize his young stars.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2021

This tornado of influences led her to create a retro, Old World, earthy collection that refuses to sexualize the female form while also playing on traditional femininity.

From Washington Post • Jul. 19, 2018

It was about gender equality and teaching people not to sexualize women’s bodies.

From The Guardian • Jun. 17, 2016