# objectification

/ɒbdʒˌɛktɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/objectification
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

treating a person as a thing or tool, not as a human with feelings and choices. You see it when ads or stories focus only on looks or body parts.

For teachers: reduction of a person to the status of an object or instrument, denying individual agency and subjectivity. Central to feminist theory and media criticism, especially regarding sexualized representation.

## Examples

- Ads like that lead to the objectification of women.
- The campaign criticizes music videos for the objectification of dancers shown only for their appearance.
- Scholars argue that persistent objectification in advertising narrows public perception, teaching viewers to value people for appearance rather than character or ability.

## Synonyms

exploitation, dehumanization, sexualization

## Antonyms

respect, humanization

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.