Definition of sensitize
: to become sensitive
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Recent Examples of sensitize from the Web
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The pond virus killed off most of the bacteria and re-sensitized the survivors to antibiotics.
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My experience growing up as a Sikh in this country, and having dealt with bias, hate, and bullying has sensitized me to the effects that this conduct can have on others and motivates me a great deal.
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While BlackRock was trying to sensitize companies to their social responsibilities, the letter could undermine the accountability of corporate directors to their shareholders.
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The three players have grown de-sensitized to the drama that’s unfolded during their time with the program.
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Rediker suggests Lay's diminutive stature helped sensitize him to the plight of the less fortunate.
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But researchers sensitized by past elections are making the German contest a laboratory for studies of how to recognize bots and trace their effects.
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Efforts to treat type 2 diabetes often focus on re-sensitizing the body to insulin.
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So after this bill passes, what the government really needs to do is start a campaign to sensitize the masses, government officials, policemen, everyone.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sensitize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of sensitize
sensitive + -ize
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 1851
in the meaning defined at transitive sense
See Words from the same yearSENSITIZE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of sensitize for English Language Learners
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: to make (someone) more aware of something
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medical : to cause (someone) to become sensitive to a substance and to react to it in a bad way
Medical Dictionary
medical Definition of sensitize
sensitized
also British sensitised;
sensitizing
also British sensitising
: to make sensitive or hypersensitive
- the patient was sensitized to the drug
Learn More about sensitize
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See words that rhyme with sensitize Spanish Central: Translation of sensitize Nglish: Translation of sensitize for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
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