Definition

To treat someone or something as an object rather than a person or a complex being, often reducing their value or importance.

Example

In some cultures, women are often objectified in media and advertising.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read an interesting article about how we tend to objectify people in advertising.

Yeah, it's crazy how they reduce individuals to mere products.

Exactly! It really makes you think about how we perceive others.

For sure, we should focus more on seeing people as whole beings.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Objectify → It is formed from "object" (from Latin "objectum", meaning something thrown before or presented) and "-ify" (meaning to make or to cause to become). The word "objectify" means to make something into an object or to treat it as an object.

Memory Tip

Think of 'object' as something presented or thrown before us, and '-ify' means to make. So, to objectify is to make something into an object.

Visually Confused Words