Desensitize: meaning, definitions and examples

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desensitize

 

[ ˌdiːsɛnsaɪˈtaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

emotional response

To desensitize means to make someone or something less sensitive to stimulation or emotional response. This process can occur through repeated exposure to a stimulus, causing a reduction in emotional reactions or responsiveness. Desensitization is often used in therapy, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma. It can also refer to the process of reducing sensitivity to pain or discomfort, which is commonly utilized in medical procedures.

Synonyms

dulled, immobilize, insensitive, numb

Examples of usage

  • The therapy helped to desensitize her to the memory of the accident.
  • Doctors often desensitize patients to allergens through gradual exposure.
  • Repeated exposure to violent media can desensitize viewers to real-life violence.
Context #2 | Verb

pain tolerance

Desensitization in the medical sense refers to the process of increasing an individual’s tolerance to pain or discomfort. This can be crucial for patients undergoing certain treatments or surgeries. The objective is to enable the individual to endure procedures with less anxiety and fear. It often involves techniques that gradually expose the patient to the pain stimulus in a controlled manner.

Synonyms

condition, reduce sensitivity, tolerate

Examples of usage

  • The clinic used a technique to desensitize her response to the needle.
  • Therapists desensitize clients to anxiety-provoking situations.
  • He engaged in exercises to desensitize his fear of dental pain.

Translations

Translations of the word "desensitize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dessensibilizar

🇮🇳 असंवेदनशील करना

🇩🇪 desensibilisieren

🇮🇩 desensitisasi

🇺🇦 десенсибілізувати

🇵🇱 desensytyzować

🇯🇵 脱感作する

🇫🇷 désensibiliser

🇪🇸 desensibilizar

🇹🇷 duyarsızlaştırmak

🇰🇷 탈감작하다

🇸🇦 إزالة الحساسية

🇨🇿 desenzibilizovat

🇸🇰 desenzibilizovať

🇨🇳 去敏感化

🇸🇮 desenzibilizirati

🇮🇸 óþrýsta

🇰🇿 сезімталдықты азайту

🇬🇪 დეზენსიბილიზაცია

🇦🇿 desensitizasiya

🇲🇽 desensibilizar

Word origin

The term 'desensitize' is derived from the prefix 'de-', which implies removal or reversal, and 'sensitize', which comes from the word 'sensation' related to the senses and feelings. The word 'sensation' has its roots in Latin, with 'sensus' meaning 'sense or feeling'. The concept of desensitization became prominent in psychological and therapeutic contexts in the late 20th century, particularly in relation to treating phobias and anxiety disorders. In modern use, it also applies to discussions on media consumption and its effects on empathy and social behavior. The practice of desensitizing individuals has evolved, incorporating various therapeutic methods to help reduce anxiety and irrational fears, ultimately aiming for a healthier psychological state.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,662, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.