desensitization

American  

[dee-sen-si-tuh-zey-shuhn] / diˌsɛn sɪ təˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of desensitizing.

2. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. the elimination or reduction of natural or acquired reactivity or sensitivity to an external stimulus, as an allergen.

3. Psychiatry. a behavior modification technique, used especially in treating phobias, in which panic or other undesirable emotional response to a given stimulus is reduced or extinguished, especially by repeated exposure to that stimulus.

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Etymology

Origin of desensitization

First recorded in 1920–25; desensitize + -ation

Example Sentences

Depression and desensitization are fueled by easy access to the most startling, graphic images one could imagine, all one click away.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Short selling has become more challenging due to a buoyant stock market, increased litigation risk, and investor desensitization to risk.

From Barron's • Oct. 8, 2025

The “Therapy Dog Team” has been on duty since late February following months of preparation and intensive training, learning desensitization to distracting stimuli, like sounds and people.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 8, 2024

Fortunately, they offer eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and other trauma and resiliency therapies.

From Slate • Feb. 1, 2024

Yet her squirrel desensitization program did not instantly meet with success.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood