desensitize
[ dee-sen-si-tahyz ]
/ diˈsɛn sɪˌtaɪz /
verb (used with object), de·sen·si·tized, de·sen·si·tiz·ing.
to lessen the sensitiveness of.
to make indifferent, unaware, or the like, in feeling.
Photography. to make less sensitive or wholly insensitive to light, as the emulsion on a film.
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.
Chemistry. to reduce the sensitivity of (an explosive) to those stimuli capable of detonating it.
QUIZZES
Discover The Influence Of Portuguese On English Via This Quiz!
We’ve gathered some interesting words donated to English from Portuguese … as well as some that just don’t translate at all. Do you know what they mean?
Question 1 of 11
Which of the following animal names traces its immediate origin to Portuguese?
Words nearby desensitize
deseed, desegregate, desegregation, deselect, desensitization, desensitize, deseret, deserpidine, desert, desert a sinking ship, desert boot
Also especially British, de·sen·si·tise.
OTHER WORDS FROM desensitize
de·sen·si·tiz·er, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for desensitize
desensitize
desensitise
/ (diːˈsɛnsɪˌtaɪz) /
verb (tr)
to render insensitive or less sensitivethe patient was desensitized to the allergen; to desensitize photographic film
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
Derived forms of desensitize
desensitization or desensitisation, noundesensitizer or desensitiser, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for desensitize
desensitize
[ dē-sĕn′sĭ-tīz′ ]
v.
To render insensitive or less sensitive, as a nerve or tooth.
To make an individual nonreactive or insensitive to an antigen.
To make a person emotionally insensitive or unresponsive, as by long exposure or repeated shocks.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.