Word
sexualized
Phoneticssex·u·al·ized
Definition
adj. describing someone in pictures, films, or stories in a strongly sexual way that focuses on the body. You use it when a person is shown as sexy in a way that feels too much or unfair.
adj. depicted or treated in an overtly sexual manner, with emphasis on sexual appeal rather than other qualities. Often describes media representations that reduce a person to sexual attractiveness.
Examples
“The ad shows a sexualized image of a woman.”
“Parents complain that the cartoon gives young characters sexualized outfits that do not suit their age.”
“Critics argue that the novel's sexualized portrayal of its heroine undermines an otherwise thoughtful exploration of power and ambition.”
Examples
simple
“The ad shows a sexualized image of a woman.”
contextual
“Parents complain that the cartoon gives young characters sexualized outfits that do not suit their age.”
complex
“Critics argue that the novel's sexualized portrayal of its heroine undermines an otherwise thoughtful exploration of power and ambition.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sexualized” in context.
Verb
01. be sexualized
“She said she did not want to be sexualized for her appearance.”
verb + adj
02. become sexualized
“Child stars often complain that they become sexualized by the media too early.”
verb + adj
03. feel sexualized
“Many students said the dress code made them feel sexualized and uncomfortable.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. excessively sexualized
“Parents complained about excessively sexualized costumes in the dance competition.”
adv + adj
05. heavily sexualized
“The film was criticized for its heavily sexualized depiction of young women.”
adv + adj
06. highly sexualized
“The report condemned the highly sexualized portrayal of teenage girls in music videos.”
adv + adj
07. overly sexualized
“Critics argued the advert was overly sexualized and inappropriate for children.”
adv + adj
08. challenge overly sexualized media content
“The campaign encourages parents to challenge overly sexualized media content.”
09. criticize sexualized depictions of teenagers
“Teachers have criticized sexualized depictions of teenagers in mainstream films.”
10. depict girls as sexualized objects
“Critics argue these games depict girls as sexualized objects rather than characters.”
11. highly sexualized portrayal of women
“The study criticizes the highly sexualized portrayal of women in music videos.”
12. overly sexualized images in advertising
“Regulators have banned overly sexualized images in advertising aimed at teens.”
Real-World Examples
“AI can cause real harm, from launching cyberattacks to generating sexualized images of children .” “Feb 13 (Reuters) - Grok, Elon Musk's AI chatbot, has been gaining ground in the U.S. over the past months, data showed, even as it draws global censure and regulatory scrutiny after being used to generate a wave of non-consensual sexualized images of women and minors.” “NEW YORK, NY, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Elon Musk’s flagship artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, continues to generate sexualized images of people even when users explicitly warn that the subjects do not consent, Reuters has found.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/sexualized