What does objectify mean?
Objectify is a verb meaning to treat a person, group, or aspect of identity as if it were an object rather than a person with agency and dignity. The word is especially common in criticism of advertising, pornography, art, media, and social institutions that reduce people to stereotypes, physical attributes, or commodities. It can also have a less negative, analytical meaning: to represent an idea, emotion, or cultural practice as a concrete thing. For example, critics may say that a fashion campaign objectifies women, while a scholar may describe a tradition as objectifying nature. The word is related to object and objective and carries a strong critical connotation, especially when it describes the treatment of people.
To treat a person, group, or aspect of someone’s identity as an object, especially by reducing them to physical, sexual, or abstract attributes.
"The film was accused of objectifying women through its portrayal of the female characters."
Commonly used in critical discussions of representation, advertising, art, and social power; it generally carries a negative connotation.
To represent or express an abstract idea, emotion, or practice as a concrete object or entity.
"The installation objectifies grief by giving it a visible physical form."
This use is more analytical and can be neutral, though it may still suggest that something has been reduced or reified.
Calling someone an object can be an insult; making someone feel like an object is a critique of power, representation, and social treatment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of objectify
Objectify was formed in the 19th century from object, with the suffix -ify meaning “to make into” or “to render as.” Object itself comes through Latin from obicere, a compound of ob- meaning “against, before, or toward” and iacere, meaning “to throw,” with the past participle obiectus meaning “thrown before” or “presented.” Its development ultimately reflects the long-standing Latin distinction between subject and object, in which an object is something perceived or acted upon.
Related word forms
How objectify is actually used
The word is usually critical or analytical rather than neutral. In its most common sense, it is especially used in discussions of gender, race, sexuality, advertising, art, and unequal power relationships.
Easily confused with objectify
An object is a physical thing, whereas objectify is a verb describing the act of treating a person or group as an object.
Subject can mean the person or group being discussed or acted upon, while objectify describes a way of representing or treating that person or group as an object.