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Sensitize: meaning, definitions and examples

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sensitize

 

[ ˈsɛn.sɪ.taɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

make sensitive

To sensitize means to make someone or something sensitive to a particular situation or experience. It often involves increasing awareness or responsiveness to stimuli or practices. In many contexts, sensitizing may be used in discussions about health, emotions, or social issues, leading to greater understanding or empathy. Sensitization processes are also observed in scientific fields, particularly in relation to allergies or reactions to certain substances.

Synonyms

aware, emotional, responsive, sensitive

Examples of usage

  • They aim to sensitize the public about environmental issues.
  • The training program is designed to sensitize staff to cultural differences.
  • Teachers can sensitize students to the importance of mental health.

Translations

Translations of the word "sensitize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sensibilizar

🇮🇳 संवेदनशील बनाना

🇩🇪 sensibilisieren

🇮🇩 menyensitifkan

🇺🇦 чутливий

🇵🇱 uwrażliwić

🇯🇵 感受性を高める

🇫🇷 sensibiliser

🇪🇸 sensibilizar

🇹🇷 hassaslaştırmak

🇰🇷 민감하게 하다

🇸🇦 تحسيس

🇨🇿 citlivět

🇸🇰 citlivieť

🇨🇳 使敏感

🇸🇮 sensibilizirati

🇮🇸 næmari

🇰🇿 сезімтал ету

🇬🇪 გრძნობადი გახადოს

🇦🇿 hiss etdirmək

🇲🇽 sensibilizar

Etymology

The word 'sensitize' originated in the early 20th century and is derived from the root word 'sensitive', which describes a person or thing that can detect or respond to changes, often in a heightened manner. The prefix 'sen-' is from the Latin 'sensus', meaning 'feeling' or 'perception'. The suffix '-ize' is often used in English to form verbs from nouns or adjectives, indicating a process of making or becoming. Therefore, 'sensitize' essentially means to imbue with or render qualities of sensitivity. The term has found its way into numerous fields such as psychology, healthcare, and education, where increasing sensitivity or awareness is a common goal.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,076, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.