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.
RELATED WORDS
Nearby words
deseed, desegregate, desegregation, deselect, desensitization, desensitize, deseret, deserpidine, desert, desert a sinking ship, desert boot
Also especially British, de·sen·si·tise.
Related formsde·sen·si·tiz·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
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 Formsdesensitization or desensitisation, noundesensitizer or desensitiser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for desensitize
desensitize
1904; see de- "do the opposite of" + sensitize. Originally of photography development; psychological sense is first recorded 1935. Related: Desensitized; desensitizing.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine 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.