fetishize

verb

fe·​tish·​ize ˈfe-ti-ˌshīz How to pronounce fetishize (audio)
also ˈfē-
fetishized; fetishizing
Synonyms of fetishizenext

transitive verb

: to make a fetish of : treat or regard with fetishism

Examples of fetishize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And then there are the various disembodied hands featured in many of the artist’s photographs and sculptures, nearly all of them fetishized in their evident—and sometimes errant—femininity. Ara H. Merjian, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 Frances has found success with her documentary, also called Flat Earth, which fetishizes the flyover states. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Cameron took many gun scenes out of his later projects, out of concern for fetishizing weapons. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 Over the past few years, the hottest trend on social media seems to be fetishizing being turned into a woodland creature. Hazlitt, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fetishize

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetishize was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Fetishize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetishize. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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