sexualize

verb

sex·​u·​al·​ize ˈsek-sh(ə-)wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce sexualize (audio)
ˈsek-shə-ˌlīz
sexualized; sexualizing

transitive verb

: to make sexual : endow with a sexual character or cast

Examples of sexualize 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.
The whimsical looks have sparked debate online, with some accusing the 23-year-old pop star of sexualizing children's clothes. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026 Wilson has been outspoken about Hollywood’s treatment of child stars, opening up about being sexualized as a child star. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 27 May 2026 Apparently, this was all too much for users on X and Instagram, who have been losing it, claiming that the frilly silhouette both infantilizes and sexualizes the 23-year-old star. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026 And in a third set, users have uploaded what appear to be authentic photos of women and asked Grok to transform the photos into video clips, sometimes with results that are sexualized. David Ingram, NBC news, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sexualize

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexualize was in 1839

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sexualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexualize. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

sexualize

transitive verb
sex·​u·​al·​ize
variants also British sexualise
sexualized also British sexualised; sexualizing also British sexualising
: to make sexual : endow with a sexual character or quality
sexualization noun
also British sexualisation
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