sensitization

American  

[sen-si-tuh-zey-shuhn] / ˌsɛn sɪ təˈzeɪ ʃən /

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

Etymology

Origin of sensitization

First recorded in 1885–90; sensitize + -ation

Example Sentences

"It is important that both doctors and patients who live in an area of the country where Lone Star ticks are common should be aware of the risk of sensitization," Platts Mills said.

From Science Daily

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

From Seattle Times

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.

From Salon

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.

From Los Angeles Times

The new research, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, "challenges the current paradigm that sensitization without overt allergy is benign."

From Salon