Sexualize: Definition and Usage
Definition and Part of Speech
The verb “sexualize” refers to the process or act of making something sexual in character or quality, often emphasizing or attributing sexual characteristics or connotations to that which is not inherently sexual. It’s frequently used to discuss cultural or media representations where non-sexual elements are portrayed with sexual undertones or significance.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erotize | To make something erotic, often suggesting a focus on beauty and sensuality. | “The artist’s work tended to erotize historical figures in unexpected ways.” | Formal/Artistic |
| Sensualize | To emphasize the sensual appeal or nature of something. | “The advertisement sought to sensualize the fragrance with its imagery.” | Informal/Casual |
| Objectify | To treat a person as an object devoid of personal identity or dignity. | “In some films, there’s a tendency to sexualize women by reducing them to objects.” | Formal/Academic |
| Libidinize | To attribute libidinous qualities to something; often implies lustful intent. | “The author’s writing style has been criticized for trying to libidinize everyday life.” | Literary/Informal |
Usage Notes
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Erotize is typically used in artistic or literary contexts, focusing on beauty and sensuality rather than purely sexual aspects. It might be preferable when discussing art, media, or literature that accentuates eroticism over explicit sexuality.
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Sensualize often appears in more casual or marketing contexts where the focus is on creating a sensual allure or atmosphere. This term would be fitting when describing advertisements, fashion, or lifestyle content designed to appeal to the senses beyond just sight.
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Objectify carries a more critical tone, highlighting the reduction of a person (often women) to mere objects of sexual desire without regard for their individuality or humanity. It’s suitable in discussions about social issues, feminism, and media criticism.
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Libidinize is less commonly used but appears in more literary contexts when discussing an infusion of lustful energy into something mundane or non-sexual. This can be found in psychological or literary analysis exploring deeper themes of desire.
Common Pitfalls
One common confusion arises between “sexualize” and “objectify.” While they are related, especially concerning depictions of people (often women) in media, objectification specifically refers to the stripping away of personal identity or agency. In contrast, sexualization can occur without full objectification, such as imbuing non-sexual contexts with a sexual aura.
Another pitfall involves conflating “sensualize” and “sexualize,” where “sensualize” might not always carry a negative connotation but rather suggests an appeal to the senses, encompassing more than just sexuality.
Final Recap
The synonyms for “sexualize”—erotize, sensualize, objectify, and libidinize—each bring unique nuances to how we understand the infusion of sexual qualities into non-sexual contexts. “Erotize” often relates to beauty and art, “sensualize” appeals broadly to sensory experiences, “objectify” critiques dehumanization in media portrayals, and “libidinize” captures an intense attribution of lustful energy.
Understanding these nuances helps choose the right synonym based on context, audience, or desired tone. As you expand your vocabulary, practice using these terms in diverse contexts, crafting sentences to explore their subtle differences and deepen your language skills.