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

See Examples For:

desensitization

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR, is so mysterious that even its trained practitioners don’t fully understand how it works.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026

She had tried traditional therapy, as well as interventions like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, where a patient is asked to recall traumatic events while experiencing auditory, visual, or tactile stimuli.

From Slate ● Dec. 18, 2025

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

“I shall devise a squirrel desensitization program,” she thought.

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