Hypersensitized: meaning, definitions and examples
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hypersensitized
[ haɪpərˈsɛnsɪtaɪzd ]
medical condition
Hypersensitized refers to a state where an individual has an excessive sensitivity to stimuli, whether it be environmental factors, allergens, or certain substances. This heightened sensitivity can lead to exaggerated responses and discomfort. It is often seen in contexts such as allergies, where the immune system responds more intensely than average.
Synonyms
hypersensitive, overly sensitive, reactive
Examples of usage
- She was hypersensitized to pollen during the spring.
- Patients may become hypersensitized to certain medications.
- His skin was hypersensitized after being exposed to harsh chemicals.
- The dog appeared hypersensitized to loud noises.
Word origin
The term 'hypersensitized' derives from the combination of 'hyper', a prefix meaning excessive or over, and 'sensitized', which comes from the word 'sensitive'. The root 'sensitive' can be traced back to the Latin 'sensus', meaning feeling or perception. The prefix 'hyper-' stems from Greek, meaning over or beyond, indicating an exaggerated state. The concept has developed particularly in medical and psychological fields, highlighting conditions where individuals or systems demonstrate extreme reactions to stimuli that typically would not elicit such strong responses. This term became more prevalent in the late 20th century as awareness of allergies and autoimmune responses grew, leading to better understanding and diagnosis of these conditions.