desensitize

verb

de·​sen·​si·​tize (ˌ)dē-ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz How to pronounce desensitize (audio)
desensitized; desensitizing; desensitizes

transitive verb

1
: to make (a sensitized or hypersensitive individual) insensitive or nonreactive to a sensitizing agent
2
: to make emotionally insensitive or callous
specifically : to extinguish an emotional response (as of fear, anxiety, or guilt) to stimuli that formerly induced it
desensitizer noun

Did you know?

Physical desensitizing is something that biologists have long been aware of. Basic training in the armed forces tries to desensitize new recruits to pain. We can desensitize ourselves to the summer heat by turning off the air conditioning, or become desensitized to the cold by walking barefoot in the snow. But desensitize is more often used when talking about negative emotions. Parents worry that their children will be desensitized to violence by playing video games. Soldiers may become desensitized to death on the battlefield. Desensitizing may be natural and desirable under some circumstances, but maybe not so good in others.

Examples of desensitize in a Sentence

The shot will help to desensitize the nerve.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This creates a double bind: Officials have an obligation to warn people at risk, yet frequent warnings can desensitize recipients. Hamilton Bean, The Conversation, 11 July 2025 While Asian equities edged higher, broader gauges of investor sentiment remained relatively subdued, reflecting a market that is potentially getting desensitized by America’s policymaking. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 24 June 2025 Growing up in a digital-first world, many younger people appear to be desensitized to data collection and are more willing to share personal information online. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025 Working with a trainer of behavior consultant to desensitize your dog to fireworks gradually. Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for desensitize

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of desensitize was in 1898

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Cite this Entry

“Desensitize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desensitize. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

desensitize

transitive verb
de·​sen·​si·​tize
variants also British desensitise
desensitized also British desensitised; desensitizing also British desensitising
: to make less sensitive : reduce sensitivity in
desensitize a nerve with a local anesthetic
: as
a
: to make (a sensitized or hypersensitive individual) insensitive or nonreactive to a sensitizing agent
b
: to extinguish an emotional response (as of fear, anxiety, or guilt) to stimuli which formerly induced it : make emotionally insensitive
evidence that violence on television desensitizes children to actual violenceStephanie Harrington
c
: to decrease a response (as of a cell receptor) progressively following prolonged exposure to a stimulus
formation of cAMP was reduced significantly in desensitized cells and remained low in the continuous presence of agonistS. M. Nilius et al.
desensitization noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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