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Objectifying: meaning, definitions and examples

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objectifying

 

[ ˌɒbdʒɛkˈtɪfaɪɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

social behavior

Objectifying refers to the act of treating a person as an object or a mere tool for one's own use, rather than recognizing their individuality and humanity. This term is often used in discussions about gender, where women may be objectified in media, advertising, and society at large. It can lead to harmful stereotypes and dehumanization, affecting how individuals view themselves and others. Objectification often reduces a person to their physical attributes and disregards their thoughts, feelings, and capabilities.

Synonyms

commodifying, dehumanizing, reducing, treating as an object

Examples of usage

  • The advertisement was criticized for objectifying women.
  • He felt that objectifying people was a serious social issue.
  • The film was accused of objectifying its female lead.
  • Discussions about objectifying behavior often arise in feminist discourse.

Translations

Translations of the word "objectifying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 objetificando

🇮🇳 वस्तुवादीकरण (vastuvadikaran)

🇩🇪 objektivierend

🇮🇩 mengobjektifikasi

🇺🇦 об'єктивуючи

🇵🇱 obiektualizując

🇯🇵 対象化する (taishōka suru)

🇫🇷 objectivant

🇪🇸 objetivando

🇹🇷 nesnelleştirerek

🇰🇷 대상화하는 (daesanghwa haneun)

🇸🇦 تحويل إلى موضوع (taḥwīl ʾilā mawḍūʿ)

🇨🇿 objektifikující

🇸🇰 objektifikujúci

🇨🇳 物化 (wùhuà)

🇸🇮 objektivizirajoč

🇮🇸 hlutgerandi

🇰🇿 объективтендіру (ob'ektivtendiru)

🇬🇪 ობიექტივიზირება (obiekt'ivizireba)

🇦🇿 obyektləşdirmə

🇲🇽 objetivando

Etymology

The term 'objectifying' derives from the root 'object,' which originates from the Latin word 'objectum,' meaning 'that which is thrown before' or 'something that is cast against.' The transition to its modern usage began in the 20th century, particularly during discussions related to feminism and social theory. Objectification has been analyzed in psychology and sociology, focusing on how individuals may be perceived in terms of their utility or appearance rather than their intrinsic value as human beings. The term gained prominence alongside discussions on sexism, sexual objectification, and the impact of media representations on self-esteem and personal identity.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,744 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.