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Objectified Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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objectified

[əbˈdʒɛk.tɪ.faɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

social context

Objectified refers to the act of treating a person as an object or a thing, rather than as a human being with feelings and emotions. This term is often used in discussions about gender and power dynamics, especially in relation to how individuals, particularly women, are portrayed in media and society. When someone is objectified, their personal identity and individuality are overlooked, leading to a dehumanizing experience. This concept is crucial in debates surrounding feminism, body image, and consent.

Synonyms

commodified, dehumanized, reduced.

Examples of usage

  • The advertisement objectified women for commercial gain.
  • In many movies, female characters are often objectified.
  • Social media can sometimes lead to individuals feeling objectified by others.
  • The campaign aims to raise awareness about how people are objectified in society.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Social Science

  • Psychological studies show that objectification can lead to dehumanization, reducing empathy for those who are objectified.
  • Objectification is often linked to gender issues, where women are frequently depicted as objects in media and advertisements.
  • Research indicates that objectified individuals may experience lower self-esteem and have a distorted body image.

Pop Culture

  • 'Objectified' is also the name of a documentary by Gary Hustwit that explores design and the role of designers in our lives.
  • Famous songs often discuss objectification, highlighting the impact of viewing someone merely as an object of desire.
  • In cinema, objectification is frequently critiqued, particularly in films that challenge traditional gender roles and representation.

Literature

  • In modern literature, authors often explore themes of objectification to critique societal norms around body image and relationships.
  • Classic works have also highlighted characters who have been objectified, bringing attention to dynamics of power and inequality.
  • Many feminist writings emphasize the importance of recognizing the humanity of individuals instead of viewing them as objects.

Psychology

  • Objectification theory suggests individuals are vulnerable to being objectified in settings that emphasize appearance over personal attributes.
  • Studies show that when people are objectified, they may feel a disconnect from their bodies and experience increased anxiety.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques can help individuals address feelings of objectification by focusing on self-worth and compassion.

Origin of 'objectified'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'objectified' comes from 'object,' which in Latin means 'thrown against' or 'thrown before.'
  • The '-ify' suffix means 'to make' or 'to turn into,' so 'objectified' literally means 'made into an object.'
  • First known use of 'objectify' dates back to the early 20th century, often used in discussions about philosophy and psychology.

The term 'objectify' originates from the Latin word 'objectus', meaning 'thrown before' or 'placed against', which is derived from 'objicere', meaning 'to throw against'. The concept of objectification began to gain prominence in the 20th century, particularly within feminist literature, where scholars highlighted how women were often portrayed in media and society as mere objects of desire rather than as full individuals. The suffix '-ified', used to indicate the process of making or becoming, combined with 'object' emphasizes the transformation of a person into an object. This reflects broader societal issues regarding power dynamics, representation, and autonomy. In modern discourse, objectification is frequently examined through the lenses of psychology, sociology, and media studies, making it a pivotal notion in discussions about rights and respect in interpersonal relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,636, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.