desexualize

verb

de·​sex·​u·​al·​ize (ˌ)dē-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce desexualize (audio)
-ˈsek-shə-ˌlīz, 
-ˈsek-shü-ə-
desexualized; desexualizing; desexualizes

transitive verb

1
: to deprive of sexual characters or power
2
: to divest of sexual quality
desexualization
(ˌ)dē-ˌsek-sh(ə-)wə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce desexualize (audio)
-ˌsek-shə-lə-, 
-ˌsek-shü-ə-
noun

Examples of desexualize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Several told me stories of being advised to desexualize themselves, or of choosing to do so. — Hallie Lieberman, New York Times, 7 June 2019 That sounds desexualizing, too. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 Participants see the march as an opportunity to normalize and desexualize women’s breasts. — The Know Staff, The Know, 26 Aug. 2019 In addition, many vaccination campaigns aim to desexualize the HPV vaccine, instead of focusing on its effectiveness in preventing cancers later in life. — USA Today, 23 May 2022 The idea for the Captain’s redesign came via DeConnick’s editor, Stephen Wacker, who cited his young daughters as an inspiration to desexualize Carol. — Joanna Robinson, VanityFair.com, 18 Apr. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of desexualize was in 1894

Rhymes for desexualize

See All Rhymes for desexualize

Browse Nearby Words

desexualization
desexualize
deshabille
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Desexualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desexualize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

desexualize

transitive verb
de·​sex·​u·​al·​ize
variants or British desexualise
(ˈ)dē-ˈseksh-(ə-)wə-ˌlīz, -ˈsek-shə-ˌlīz How to pronounce desexualize (audio)
desexualized or British desexualised; desexualizing or British desexualising
1
: to deprive of sexual characters or power
2
: to divest of sexual quality
desexualization noun
or British desexualisation
(ˌ)dē-ˌseksh-(ə-)wə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌsek-shə-lə- How to pronounce desexualize (audio)
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