desexualize

1 of 2

verb

de·​sex·​u·​al·​ize (ˌ)dē-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wə-ˌlīz 

-ˈsek-shə-ˌlīz, 

-ˈsek-shü-ə-

desexualized; desexualizing; desexualizes

transitive verb

1

: to deprive of sexual characters or power

2

: to divest of sexual quality

desexualization

(ˌ)dē-ˌsek-sh(ə-)wə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌsek-shə-lə-, 

-ˌsek-shü-ə-

noun

desexualization

2 of 2

noun

de·​sexualization (¦)dē 

də̇+

: the act or an instance of desexualizing

the view that this desexualization necessarily results in the choice of a higher, more socially acceptable channel of expression

—G. S. Blum

Examples of desexualize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

That sounds desexualizing, too. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

In addition, many vaccination campaigns aim to desexualize the HPV vaccine, instead of focusing on its effectiveness in preventing cancers later in life. — USA Today, 23 May 2022

Participants see the march as an opportunity to normalize and desexualize women’s breasts. — The Know Staff, The Know, 26 Aug. 2019

Several told me stories of being advised to desexualize themselves, or of choosing to do so. — Hallie Lieberman, New York Times, 7 June 2019

The idea for the Captain’s redesign came via DeConnick’s editor, Stephen Wacker, who cited his young daughters as an inspiration to desexualize Carol. — Joanna Robinson, VanityFair.com, 18 Apr. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for desexualize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Medical Definition

desexualize

transitive verb

de·​sex·​u·​al·​ize

variants or British desexualise

(ˈ)dē-ˈseksh-(ə-)wə-ˌlīz, -ˈsek-shə-ˌlīz 

desexualized or British desexualised; desexualizing or British desexualising

1

: to deprive of sexual characters or power

2

: to divest of sexual quality

desexualization noun

or British desexualisation

(ˌ)dē-ˌseksh-(ə-)wə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌsek-shə-lə-