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desensitize
[ dee-sen-si-tahyz ]
/ diˈsɛn sɪˌtaɪz /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
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Also especially British, de·sen·si·tise .
OTHER WORDS FROM desensitize
de·sen·si·tiz·er, nounWords nearby desensitize
deseed, desegregate, desegregation, deselect, desensitization, desensitize, Deseret, deserpidine, desert, desert a sinking ship, Desert boot
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use desensitize in a sentence
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
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