sex object
Noun: A person who is viewed or treated primarily as a means for another's sexual pleasure, rather than as a complete individual with their own thoughts, feelings, and autonomy.
The term "sex object" is used to describe a dehumanizing perspective where a person's value is reduced to their sexual appeal or function. It is often used in social, feminist, and psychological critiques. - It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., a sex object, treated as sex objects). - The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying exploitation and a lack of respect.
- In the controversial advertisement, the model was portrayed merely as a sex object.
- She felt her colleagues saw her as a sex object rather than a competent professional.
- The article criticized the film for reducing its female characters to sex objects.
- "To objectify someone" / "To be objectified": These verb forms are closely related concepts. To objectify is to treat a person as an object, and a "sex object" is a specific result of sexual objectification.
- The culture often objectifies women, turning them into sex objects in media.
- Objectification (n): The action of degrading someone to the status of a mere object, especially in a sexual context.
- The debate focused on the objectification of actors in Hollywood.
- Sexual objectification (n): A more specific term for the process of treating a person as a sex object.
- Object of desire: Can be similar but may lack the critical, dehumanizing nuance of "sex object."
- Piece of meat: (Slang, highly derogatory) Emphasizes extreme dehumanization.
The concept is central to discussions about gender equality, media representation, and interpersonal respect. Being labeled a "sex object" denies a person's humanity, intellect, and emotional complexity. The term is almost exclusively used in a critical sense to highlight a problematic attitude or representation.
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any person regarded simply as an object of sexual gratification