sexualize

[ sek-shoo-uh-lahyzor, especially British, seks-yoo- ]

verb (used with object)

sexualized, sexualizing.

1. to render sexual; endow with sexual characteristics.

sexualize

/ ˈsɛksjʊəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become sexual or sexually aware
2. to give or acquire sexual associations

Derived Forms

• ˌsexualiˈzation, noun

Other Word Forms

• sex·u·al·i·za·tion [sek-shoo-, uh, -lahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n, seks-yoo-] especially British, sex·u·al·i·sa·tion noun
• de·sex·u·al·ize especially British, de·sex·u·al·ise verb (used with object) desexualized desexualizing or (especially British) desexualised desexualising

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexualize¹

First recorded in 1830–40; sexual + -ize

Example Sentences

The latter is partly crafted to appeal to men, with its heavily sexualized fantasies of a woman devoted to domestic servitude.

From Salon

Trump officials and supporters flip that analysis, saying that families and students have been harmed by a radical left-wing agenda — one that also prematurely sexualizes children and indoctrinates them to change their gender.

From Los Angeles Times

In her opener, Greene also cited a 2015 “Frontline” documentary that followed transgender kids and their families, making the vile suggestion of it being evidence of public television allegedly “sexualizing and grooming children.”

From Salon

In 2022, she opened up about feeling sexualized at a young age and the backlash she faced for wearing a lower-cut gown to an awards show.

From Los Angeles Times

Another Texas parent who is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit claims Character.AI exposed her 11-year-old daughter to inappropriate “hypersexualized interactions” that caused her to “develop sexualized behaviors prematurely,” according to the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times