Eroticized: meaning, definitions and examples

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eroticized

 

[ ɪˈrɒtɪsaɪzd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sexual context

To eroticize something means to make it sexually appealing or to imbue it with sexual significance. This process often involves transforming ordinary objects, situations, or experiences into something that carries sexual connotations.

Synonyms

romanticize, sensualize, sexualize

Examples of usage

  • The artist eroticized the everyday activities of the couple.
  • In literature, the author eroticized the tension between the characters.
  • Certain films have eroticized the idea of forbidden love.
  • Fashion sometimes eroticizes the human form in surprising ways.

Word origin

The word 'eroticize' originates from the term 'erotic', which comes from the Greek word 'erōtikos', meaning 'of or for love, passionate'. The root of this word is 'erōs', which refers to a type of love in ancient Greek mythology associated with desire and attraction, often depicted by the god Eros. The suffix ‘-ize’ is a common English verb-forming suffix that indicates a process of making or becoming. Therefore, 'eroticize' combines these elements to focus on the action of making something erotic. The term reflects cultural attitudes toward sexuality and desire, particularly in modern contexts where media, literature, and art have increasingly engaged with the erotic to explore complex human emotions and relationships. In contemporary usage, it can often be found in discussions of art, media portrayal, sexual politics, and social commentary.