desensitize

American  

[dee-sen-si-tahyz] / diˈsɛn sɪˌtaɪz /

especially British, desensitise

verb (used with object)

desensitized, desensitizing

1. to lessen the sensitiveness of.

2. to make indifferent, unaware, or the like, in feeling.

3. Photography.  to make less sensitive or wholly insensitive to light, as the emulsion on a film.

4. Printing.  to treat (the design on a lithographic plate) with an etch in order to increase the capacity to retain moisture, and to remove traces of grease.

5. Chemistry.  to reduce the sensitivity of (an explosive) to those stimuli capable of detonating it.

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desensitize British  

/ diːˈsɛnsɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to render insensitive or less sensitive

   the patient was desensitized to the allergen

   to desensitize photographic film

2. psychol to decrease the abnormal fear in (a person) of a situation or object, by exposing him to it either in reality or in his imagination

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Other Word Forms

• desensitization noun
• desensitizer noun

Etymology

Origin of desensitize

First recorded in 1900–05; de- + sensitize

Example Sentences

Anyeji says that the sender might be desensitized or numb to the disturbing content, which is also a sign of the sender’s traumatic distress, which they may unknowingly be passing along.

From Los Angeles Times

In our polarized country where extremism is being mainstreamed, we are becoming desensitized to anything but the most egregious acts of hate.

From Los Angeles Times

But I suppose none of this should surprise us, as the chef’s kiss of this entire charade is the reality that parents, too, are desensitized.

From Washington Times

Ms. Dummer said that the onslaught was threatening to desensitize dispatchers and divert limited resources from true emergencies.

From New York Times

It’s easy to become desensitized to the news of yet another restaurant closing — especially if you have no personal relationship with that restaurant.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• deaden