sexualize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, academic
Quick answer
What does “sexualize” mean?
To make something sexual in character or to attribute sexual characteristics to something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something sexual in character or to attribute sexual characteristics to something.
Often used in critical contexts to describe the imposition of sexual connotations on non-sexual subjects, such as in media, advertising, or social interactions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English occasionally uses 'sexualise', while American English consistently uses 'sexualize'. Pronunciation differs slightly in the middle consonant cluster.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, often critical or analytical.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to cultural debates on media and gender.
Grammar
How to Use “sexualize” in a Sentence
transitive: sexualize + direct objectVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sexualize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The media often sexualises women in advertisements.
- Some programmes sexualise violence unnecessarily.
American English
- The media often sexualizes women in advertisements.
- Some programs sexualize violence unnecessarily.
adjective
British English
- The sexualised images in the magazine were criticised.
- She objected to the sexualised portrayal of her character.
American English
- The sexualized images in the magazine were criticized.
- She objected to the sexualized portrayal of her character.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in discussions about ethical marketing or workplace harassment policies.
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, and media studies when analyzing gender and sexuality.
Everyday
Used in conversations about media influence or social issues, but not casual.
Technical
In psychological or sociological terminology, referring to the attribution of sexual meaning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sexualize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sexualize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sexualize”
- Using 'sexualise' in American English contexts.
- Incorrectly using it as an intransitive verb, e.g., 'It sexualizes' without an object.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is often used in formal or academic contexts, such as in sociology or media criticism.
Rarely; it usually has a negative connotation, implying inappropriate or excessive sexual attribution.
'Sexualize' is broader and often critical, meaning to make something sexual in character, while 'eroticize' focuses more on arousing sexual desire or making something erotic.
As a transitive verb, it typically takes a direct object, e.g., 'The campaign sexualizes products to attract attention.'
To make something sexual in character or to attribute sexual characteristics to something.
Sexualize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsek.sju.ə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsek.ʃu.ə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'sex' in 'sexualize' – it's about making something related to sex.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEXUALITY IS A LENS THROUGH WHICH SOMETHING IS VIEWED.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'sexualize' typically imply?