sex object: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Slightly formal, academic (in feminist theory), journalistic, critical/social commentary. Often appears in discussions of gender, media, and objectification.
Quick answer
What does “sex object” mean?
A person viewed primarily in terms of their physical attractiveness and sexual appeal rather than as a whole individual.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person viewed primarily in terms of their physical attractiveness and sexual appeal rather than as a whole individual.
A term often used critically in feminist discourse to describe the reduction of a person (typically women) to their sexual function and appearance. May also refer to an objectified celebrity or media figure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or syntactic differences. The concept and usage are identical.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotation in both varieties, associated with gender inequality and objectification.
Frequency
Similar frequency in sociocultural and academic discussions in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “sex object” in a Sentence
[Subject] treats/views/sees [Object] as a sex object.[Object] is reduced to a sex object.The term 'sex object' is applied to [Object].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sex object” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The article argued that the film sex-objectifies its female characters.
- He was accused of sex-objectifying his colleagues.
American English
- The marketing campaign was criticized for sex-objectifying women.
- We need to challenge media that sex-objectifies people.
adverb
British English
- The character was presented sex-object-edly, with no development.
- (Usage as an adverb is highly rare and non-standard)
American English
- (Usage as an adverb is highly rare and non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The sex-object portrayal of the lead actress drew considerable criticism.
- He rejected the sex-object imagery in the advert.
American English
- The magazine is known for its sex-object depictions of celebrities.
- She spoke out against sex-object stereotypes in Hollywood.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except potentially in HR/diversity training contexts discussing inappropriate workplace behaviour.
Academic
Common in gender studies, sociology, media studies, and feminist theory as a critical term.
Everyday
Used in discussions about media, celebrity culture, dating, and gender relations, often with a critical tone.
Technical
Not a technical term in fields like medicine or IT; used as a defined concept in social sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sex object”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sex object”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sex object”
- Using it as a compliment (e.g., 'She's such a sex object!' – this would be highly offensive).
- Confusing it with 'sex symbol', which, while related, does not carry the same strong critical force regarding dehumanization.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost exclusively used as a critical or pejorative term to highlight the dehumanising reduction of a person to their sexual function.
Yes, the term can be applied to men, though it is historically and statistically more frequently applied to women. The critical meaning about objectification remains the same.
A 'sex symbol' is a person widely considered the epitome of sexual attractiveness, often with a tone of admiration or glamour. A 'sex object' is a critical term focusing on the process of dehumanisation and loss of personhood.
It is considered a fixed compound noun, as it functions as a single lexical unit with a specific, conventionalised meaning.
A person viewed primarily in terms of their physical attractiveness and sexual appeal rather than as a whole individual.
Sex object is usually slightly formal, academic (in feminist theory), journalistic, critical/social commentary. often appears in discussions of gender, media, and objectification. in register.
Sex object: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛks ˈɒb.dʒɛkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛks ˈɑːb.dʒɛkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEX OBJECT' = Someone EXclusively viewed as an OBJECT for SEX.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS AN OBJECT (specifically a tool for sexual gratification).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'sex object' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?