Definition

To make something have a sexual character or quality, often by emphasizing sexual aspects.

Example

The media often sexualizes young women in advertisements.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was reading an article about how media tends to sexualize certain characters.

Yeah, I’ve noticed that too, especially in movies.

It’s strange how they often focus on looks rather than personality.

Exactly! It makes it tough to find relatable characters sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sexualize → It is formed from "sexual" (from Latin "sexus", meaning sex or gender) and "-ize" (a suffix used to form verbs meaning to make or to become). The word "sexualize" means to make something sexual or to attribute sexual characteristics to it.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sex' ('sexus') as the core idea and remember that 'sexualize' means to make something sexual.

Visually Confused Words