essentialize

Short definition from Wiktionary

Verb

1. 1
   To reduce (something) to its essence.
2. 2
   To misrepresent (something) by oversimplifying a summary of its essence.
3. 3
   To misrepresent (a characteristic of something) by falsely portraying it as essential to the whole (that is, implying that it defines the whole's essence).