Objectify: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when treating a person as an object or a thing rather than as a human being, often in a way that is considered disrespectful or demeaning. Typically applied in discussions about gender, sexuality, and media portrayals.

• Some ads tend to objectify women by focusing only on their appearance.
• He felt objectified by her constant comments about his looks.

Used when stripping away someone's human qualities, dignity, or individuality. This term often carries a strong negative connotation and is used in contexts related to discrimination, war, and human rights abuses.

• The propaganda aimed to dehumanize the enemy soldiers, making it easier for the public to accept violence against them.
• Discriminatory policies can dehumanize marginalized groups by treating them as less than human.

Used when turning something that typically isn't considered a commodity into something that can be bought, sold, or traded. Often used in economic and sociological discussions.

• There is a growing trend to commodify personal data collected by social media platforms.
• The art world has increasingly commodified creative works, turning them into high-value assets.

Used when removing or reducing personal characteristics or individuality, often in bureaucratic, clinical, or institutional contexts. It can sometimes have a neutral or negative connotation depending on the situation.

• Large corporations often depersonalize customer service, making interactions feel mechanical.
• In some medical settings, there is a risk of depersonalizing patients by treating them merely as cases rather than individuals.