What does sexualize mean?
To sexualize something is to give it an explicitly sexual character or to portray it through a lens of sexual appeal. The term is especially common in discussions of advertising, entertainment, fashion, religion, and gender, where critics may argue that a representation turns people into sexual objects or makes violence appear titillating. Sexualize can therefore carry a strongly critical connotation, although it can also be used neutrally when discussing the deliberate creation of sexual appeal. The related term sensualize is slightly different: it focuses on making something sensuous or alluring rather than necessarily making its sexual character explicit. Both verbs can be used constructively when examining how cultural representations shape attitudes toward sexuality and gender, but sexualize is especially associated with concern about objectification, exploitation, or the normalization of sexualized imagery.
verbTo make something sexual in character or portrayal, or to treat someone as an object of sexual attention. The word often carries a critical connotation when describing media, culture, or conduct.
- To make something sexual in character, appearance, or portrayal.
- To represent or treat someone primarily as an object of sexual desire.
"The campaign was criticized for sexualizing women in its advertising."
"The novel was accused of sexualizing violence against women."
"Traditional dress should not be sexualized merely to appeal to tourists."
To sexualize is to make sexuality visible in something that might otherwise not be presented that way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sexualize come from?
The verb was formed in English from the adjective sexual and the suffix -ize, meaning “to make” or “to render as.” Sexual ultimately comes through Latin sexualis from sexus, a term associated with sex, kinship, and family relationships, while sensual has a parallel Latin derivation from sensualis. Other English words connected with the same Latin root include sexuality and sextet, the latter entering English through musical terminology.
Related word forms
How sexualize is actually used
The verb is commonly used in cultural, political, and media criticism. It is often transitive, with the thing being portrayed or treated as its object, but it can also be used intransitively.
Easily confused with sexualize
Sexualize emphasizes giving something an explicitly sexual character, whereas sensualize emphasizes making it sensuous or physically alluring.