1. to give an Eastern or Asian character to something; to make Oriental in style or appearance
Usage: often capitalized
2. to portray or represent according to Western stereotypes of Eastern cultures
Usage: academic; often considered problematic

Examples

• The designer chose to orientalize the room with silk screens and bamboo furniture.
• Many 19th-century artists orientalized their subjects in paintings of Middle Eastern scenes.
• The restaurant orientalized its decor with lanterns and traditional music.
• Critics argued that the film orientalized Asian culture through outdated stereotypes.
• She decided to orientalize her garden with a pagoda and stone lanterns.
• The novel was criticized for how it orientalized the characters from India.