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.

---

Etymology

Origin of desensitization

First recorded in 1920–25; desensitize + -ation

Example Sentences

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 press needs to deeply reflect on how its coverage has contributed to a broader desensitization to what’s happening in Gaza.

From Slate • Aug. 28, 2025

Over the last 50 years, our bureaucratic desensitization to incarceration has grown largely unchecked.

From Salon • Aug. 17, 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