Definition

To remove or reduce the sexual characteristics or qualities of something or someone.

Example

The film aimed to desexualize the portrayal of its characters to focus on their personalities instead.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you noticed how some fashion trends seem to desexualize certain outfits?

Yeah, it’s interesting how they do that to make them more suitable for everyone.

I wonder if it’s a response to how society is changing its views on clothing.

Definitely, it seems like a way to make fashion more inclusive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Desexualize → It is formed from "de-" (meaning to remove or reverse) and "sexual" (from Latin "sexualis", meaning relating to sex) and "-ize" (a suffix used to form verbs meaning to make or to become). The word "desexualize" means to remove or reverse sexual characteristics or connotations.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') sexual characteristics ('sexual') to remember that 'desexualize' means to make something less sexual.

Visually Confused Words