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Desensitized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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desensitized

[diːˈsɛnsɪtaɪzd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional

Having become less sensitive to a particular stimulus over time, especially as a result of repeated exposure.

Synonyms

insensitive, numb, unresponsive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
desensitized

Used when referring to someone who no longer reacts emotionally to something due to repeated exposure over time.

  • After years of working in the emergency room, she became desensitized to the sight of injuries.
  • Many people are becoming desensitized to violence in the media.
numb

Used when someone is unable to feel physical sensations or emotions, often temporarily.

  • His hands were numb from the cold.
  • She felt numb after hearing the tragic news.
insensitive

Used to describe someone who lacks empathy or consideration for others' feelings, often in a negative way.

  • It was insensitive of him to make jokes about her weight.
  • The manager's insensitive comments upset many of the employees.
unresponsive

Used to describe someone or something that does not react or respond to stimuli, often in medical or emergency situations.

  • The patient was unresponsive when the paramedics arrived.
  • Despite numerous attempts to contact him, he remained unresponsive.

Examples of usage

  • The constant exposure to violence in the media has desensitized many people to real-life tragedies.
  • She has become desensitized to the criticism after hearing it so often.
Context #2 | Verb

medical

To make someone less likely to react to a substance, especially an allergen.

Synonyms

immunize, protect, vaccinate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
desensitized

Used when someone has become less sensitive or less responsive to certain stimuli or emotions due to repeated exposure. Often applies to psychological states or reactions.

  • After years of working in the emergency room, the doctors became desensitized to the sight of blood.
  • The violent video games made him desensitized to real-life violence.
immunize

Refers to making someone immune to a disease, usually through the administration of vaccines. It is commonly used in medical and health-related contexts.

  • The government plans to immunize all children against measles.
  • It's important to immunize your pets against common diseases.
protect

Used when referring to keeping someone or something safe from harm or danger. It is a broad term applicable in various contexts, including physical safety, emotional well-being, and cybersecurity.

  • Parents do their best to protect their children from harm.
  • This software is designed to protect your computer from viruses.
vaccinate

Specifically refers to administering a vaccine to someone to prevent them from contracting a disease. This term is frequently used in discussions about public health.

  • All healthcare workers are required to vaccinate themselves against the flu.
  • You need to vaccinate your child before they start school.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor desensitized the patient to the allergen by gradually exposing them to small amounts of it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Becoming desensitized often happens when a person faces repeated exposure to distressing events, such as violence or trauma.
  • This process can help individuals cope by reducing emotional pain, but it may also hinder their ability to empathize with others.
  • Habituation is a psychological concept closely linked to desensitization, where the response to a stimulus decreases after repeated exposure.

Media and Culture

  • Many studies suggest that constant exposure to violent media can desensitize viewers, making them less responsive to real-life violence.
  • Desensitization in pop culture can be seen in how audiences react to intense scenes in movies or video games, often without strong emotional responses.
  • Social media can contribute to desensitization, as users regularly encounter upsetting news, which may numb their emotional reactions over time.

Health and Addiction

  • Desensitization can occur in addiction recovery, where individuals might struggle to feel pleasure or pain after quitting a substance they were dependent on.
  • People undergoing emotional desensitization might not only disconnect from negative emotions but may also struggle to feel joy or excitement.
  • Treatments for issues like anxiety or PTSD may incorporate methods to help patients regain sensitivity to their emotions in a healthy way.

Sociology

  • Desensitization can lead to apathy in social issues, as individuals may become overwhelmed by persistent negative news or injustices.
  • A common concern in modern societies is that desensitized individuals may fail to act against social problems due to numbness toward the suffering of others.
  • Communities can combat desensitization by promoting awareness and fostering empathy through education and engagement with different social issues.

Origin of 'desensitized'

The word 'desensitized' is derived from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'remove' or 'do the opposite of' and the word 'sensitize', which comes from the Latin word 'sensibilis' meaning 'capable of sensation'. The concept of desensitization has been studied in psychology, medicine, and various other fields to understand how repeated exposure can lead to decreased sensitivity or response.

See also: hypersensitivity, insensibility, insensible, insensitive, nonsense, nonsensical, nonsensically, sensation, sensational, sensations, sense, senseless, senselessly, sensibility, sensible, sensibly, sensitive, sensitivity, sensor, sensory, sensual, sensuous.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,089 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.