sensitization

noun

sen·​si·​ti·​za·​tion ˌsen(t)-sə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌsen(t)s-tə-ˈzā-

1

: the action or process of sensitizing

2

: the quality or state of being sensitized (as to an antigen)

Examples of sensitization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By combining catalytic activity with electronic sensitization, their sensor achieves a rare mix of ultra-high sensitivity, low power use, and stable operation. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026

The study didn’t directly measure immune biomarkers, allergic sensitization, or changes to the microbiome. —New Atlas, 3 July 2025

Exposure is tracked through air monitoring, surface sample testing and annual blood tests for beryllium sensitization. —Susie Neilson, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 July 2025

The recalled products were purchased by thousands of families, potentially exposing children to a chemical that can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation or sensitization when inhaled, touched, or ingested. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sensitization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

sensitization

noun

sen·​si·​ti·​za·​tion

variants also British sensitisation

ˌsen(t)-sət-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌsen(t)-stə-ˈzā- 

1

: the action or process of making sensitive or hypersensitive

allergic sensitization of the skin

2

: the process of becoming sensitive or hypersensitive (as to an antigen)

also : the resulting state

3

: a form of nonassociative learning characterized by an increase in responsiveness upon repeated exposure to a stimulus compare habituation sense 3