objectifyv.
/əbˈdʒɛktᵻfʌɪ/, U.S. /əbˈdʒɛktəˌfaɪ/, /ɑbˈdʒɛktəˌfaɪ/ 1. transitive. To express (something abstract) in a concrete form; to render objective.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > extrinsicality or externality > objectivity > objectify [verb (transitive)]
objectize1817
objectivize1825
objectify1854
objectivatea1860
1854 L. P. Hickok Rational Psychol. 62 Such necessary limitations in our activity we take cognizance of, objectify in our consciousness, and deem them to be the phenomena of an outer world.
1856 P. E. Dove Logic Christian Faith i. ii. 70 In the latter [case] we objectify knowledge.
1880 W. Wallace in Encycl. Brit. XI. 620/2 The theory of the mind as objectified in the institutions of law, the family, and the state, is discussed in the ‘Philosophy of Right’.
1936 A. Tate Reactionary Ess. 15 The terror of death is objectified through this figure of the genteel driver, who is made ironically to serve the end of Immortality.
1955 Bull. Atomic Scientists Apr. 111/2 The more one wishes to objectify a judgement which cannot be objectified, the more arbitrary one makes it.
1989 Sci. Amer. July 81/1 Ornamenting the body is a way of constructing and objectifying a set of social distinctions that are not otherwise visible.
2. transitive. To degrade or demote (a person, class of people, etc.) to the status of a mere object; to treat as an object; to reify. Also: to identify (a person) with a particular stereotype; to stereotype.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > degrading or debasement > degrade [verb (transitive)]
vile1297
supplanta1382
to bring lowa1387
revilea1393
gradea1400
villain1412
abject?a1439
to-gradea1440
vilifyc1450
villainy1483
disparage1496
degradea1500
deject?1521
disgraduate1528
disgress1528
regrade1534
base1538
diminute1575
lessen1579
to turn down1581
to pitch (a person) over the bar?1593
disesteem1594
degender1596
unnoble1598
disrank1599
reduce1599
couch1602
disthrone1603
displume1606
unplume1621
disnoble1622
disworth?1623
villainize1623
unglory1626
ungraduate1633
disennoble1645
vilicate1646
degraduate1649
bemean1651
deplume1651
lower1653
cheapen1654
dethrone1659
diminish1667
scoundrel1701
sink1706
demean1715
abjectate1731
unglorifya1740
unmagnify1747
undignify1768
to take the shine out of (less frequently from, U.S. off)1819
dishero1838
misdemean1843
downgrade1892
demote1919
objectify1973
1973 Slavic Rev. 32 324 The sexual mores which taught men to objectify women rather than love them as equals.
1976 Times 8 Mar. 2/5 Any ‘sexist’ acts, which..included strip-tease and go-go-dancers, should be banned from universities... Student unions will be asked to ban acts ‘which objectify the male or female form’.
1992 N.Y. Times Bk. Rev. 29 Nov. 24/2 Don't objectify this guy. The black man as superstud is a dehumanizing myth.
2000 S. Derné Movies, Masculinity, & Modernity vii. 144 Men in all-male settings play with homosocial bonds with each other, but neutralize this bond through erotic talk which objectifies women.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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