Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

exoticize

verb
/ɪɡˈzɒtɪsaɪz/
Definition
To represent something in a way that emphasizes its exotic, unusual, or foreign qualities, often to romanticize or idealize it.
Examples
  • Many films tend to exoticize foreign cultures, emphasizing their differences rather than their similarities to mainstream society.
  • Artists sometimes exoticize their subjects to create a sense of wonder and intrigue in their work.
  • By exoticizing indigenous practices, we risk oversimplifying complex cultures.
Meaning
Exoticize means to portray or view someone or something as exotic, which often involves attributing certain appealing, mysterious, or unique traits to them that may not fully align with reality.
Synonyms
  • romanticize
  • idealize
  • glamorize