1. to make sexual or to attribute sexual characteristics to something
Usage: often used in critical contexts

Examples

• Critics argued that the advertisement sexualized young people.
• The media tends to sexualize female athletes rather than focus on their achievements.
• Parents worry about how social media can sexualize childhood.
• The film was criticized for sexualizing violence.
• Some argue that certain fashion trends sexualize school uniforms.
• Researchers study how advertising sexualizes everyday products.