sensitize

especially British, sen·si·tise

[sen-si-tahyz]

verb (used with object)

sensitized, sensitizing 

1. to render sensitive.

2. Photography.,  to render (a film or the like) sensitive to light or other forms of radiant energy.

3. Immunology.,  to render sensitive to an antigenic substance.

verb (used without object)

sensitized, sensitizing 

1. to become sensitized.

sensitize

/ ˈsɛnsɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become sensitive

2. (tr) to render (an individual) sensitive to a drug, allergen, etc

3. (tr) photog to make (a material) sensitive to light or to other actinic radiation, esp to light of a particular colour, by coating it with a photographic emulsion often containing special chemicals, such as dyes

Other Word Forms

• sensitizer noun
• antisensitizer noun
• antisensitizing adjective
• nonsensitized adjective
• nonsensitizing adjective
• oversensitize verb
• resensitize verb (used with object)
• unsensitize verb (used with object)
• sensitization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensitize¹

First recorded in 1855–60; sensit(ive) + -ize

Example Sentences

These efforts required sensitizing all employees to their own personal prejudices and offending practices.

From Salon

“Throughout California, throughout the West, throughout communities that have had wildfire experience, we are particularly primed and sensitized to that news,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

The findings also encourage the development of drugs that target ARID1A and related proteins as a way of sensitizing other tumors to immunotherapy.

From Science Daily

The researchers conclude that once mast cells are sensitized, diverse xenobiotics that never bothered the person previously and do not bother most people trigger multisystem symptoms that wax and wane over time.

From Science Daily

“What this bill will do is help educate and sensitize electeds, judges, police, teachers, media and civil society in to what constitutes antisemitism,” Berman said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• sharpen