sensitize

verb

sen·​si·​tize ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz How to pronounce sensitize (audio)
sensitized; sensitizing

transitive verb

: to make sensitive or hypersensitive

intransitive verb

: to become sensitive
sensitizer noun

Examples of sensitize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Molloy believed that she may have initially been sensitized by pesticide exposures while living near San Francisco. Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024 Also be cautious using active ingredients that can sensitize the skin, such as salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids. Daley Quinn, Health, 18 July 2024 There are indications that the citizens of many countries are becoming sensitized to this problem. Ronald Inglehart, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2015 My framework sensitizes management, shifting leaders’ mindsets from considering cybersecurity merely as a necessity to thinking of it as a strategic opportunity. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensitize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sensitize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

sensitive + -ize

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensitize was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near sensitize

Cite this Entry

“Sensitize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensitize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

sensitize

verb
sen·​si·​tize ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz How to pronounce sensitize (audio)
sensitized; sensitizing
: to make or become sensitive

Medical Definition

sensitize

transitive verb
sen·​si·​tize
variants also British sensitise
sensitized also British sensitised; sensitizing also British sensitising
: to make sensitive or hypersensitive
the patient was sensitized to the drug

More from Merriam-Webster on sensitize

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