Objects are not creatures.
(We will ignore the undefined question of corpses....)
The object needs to remain an object, if possible. Polymorph is not an option, regardless, due to a requirement of not actually turning the object into a creature. The idea is to make it a valid target without actually changing it into a creature - it needs to remain an object.
Are there any methods which can cause an object to temporarily count as a creature for the purpose of targeting it with an effect that targets creatures?
The context is that we are trying to target an object wth a destructive effect that does not affect objects, while attempting to avoid the potential moral, ethical, and or religious / alignment factors inherent in changing an object into a creature then destroying / killing it.