sensitization

[sen-si-tuh-zey-shuhn]

noun

1. the state or process of being sensitized.

2. Psychology.,  the process of becoming susceptible to a given stimulus that previously had no effect or significance.

3. Immunology.

   1. a state or condition in which a previously encountered foreign substance triggers an immune reaction.

   2. an immunologic state or condition that is evidenced by the acquired ability of a cell or individual to detect the presence of a foreign substance upon reexposure to the substance and to react immunologically.

Other Word Forms

• nonsensitization noun
• resensitization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensitization¹

First recorded in 1885–90; sensitize + -ation

Example Sentences

Baganizi, the immunization official, said Uganda’s government has invested in community “sensitization” sessions during which officials tell people that vaccines save lives.

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Possible reasons for both include low vitamin D status, lack of immune system challenges due to being overly "clean", heightened sensitization due to allergen avoidance, and more frequent antibiotic use.

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About eight years ago, I was actually making a different film following the work of the Center for Health and Social Justice, an organization that works on gender sensitization programs for men and boys.

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In addition to the aforementioned dairy and peanut allergens, shrimp sensitization was another component recognized as a "significant risk factor for cardiovascular death."

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Additional analysis also identified peanut and shrimp sensitization as significant risk factors for cardiovascular death in those individuals who routinely ate them.

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