desensitize Definition
- 1to make someone or something less sensitive to something, especially by repeated exposure
- 2to make a person or animal less responsive to or bothered by something that would normally cause discomfort or pain
Using desensitize: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "desensitize" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The constant noise of the city desensitized him to loud sounds.
Example
The doctor used a cream to desensitize the patient's skin before the injection.
Example
Watching violent movies can desensitize people to violence in real life.
desensitize Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with desensitize
to reduce sensitivity to pain through repeated exposure or other methods
Example
The athlete had to desensitize to pain in order to continue playing with his injury.
to reduce sensitivity to allergens through repeated exposure or other methods
Example
The doctor recommended that the patient desensitize to allergens by gradually increasing exposure over time.
to become less sensitive or reactive to criticism through repeated exposure or other methods
Example
The artist had to desensitize to criticism in order to continue creating despite negative reviews.
Origins of desensitize
from 'de-' meaning 'remove' and 'sensitize' meaning 'make sensitive'
Summary: desensitize in Brief
To 'desensitize' [dee-sen-si-tahyz] means to make someone or something less sensitive to something, often through repeated exposure. It can refer to reducing sensitivity to physical stimuli like pain or allergens, or emotional stimuli like violence or criticism. Examples include 'The constant noise of the city desensitized him to loud sounds,' and 'The doctor used a cream to desensitize the patient's skin before the injection.'
