sexualize

verb

sex·​u·​al·​ize ˈsek-sh(ə-)wə-ˌlīz 

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

Indeed, even the album title, The Life of a Showgirl, and its art play on significant parts of Taylor’s image — the notion of a life as a public figure, constantly performing for other’s entertainment, often sexualized and considered only in the context of their relationships to men. —Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025

One TikToker noted the ad referenced a 1980s Brooke Shield's Calvin Klein campaign (that received backlash for sexualizing a minor). —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 28 July 2025

But, man, that impish Louis Prima charm and silly and sexualized Groucho wit shines through. —Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2025

The ad also faced pushback more widely for being overly sexualized and out of touch, reminiscent of previous marketing norms that many say no longer resonate with the public. —Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sexualize

transitive verb

sex·​u·​al·​ize

variants also British sexualise

ˈseksh-(ə-)wə-ˌlīz, ˈsek-shə-ˌlīz 

sexualized also British sexualised; sexualizing also British sexualising

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

sexualization noun

also British sexualisation

ˌseksh-(ə-)wə-lə-ˈzā-shən