desensitize

[ dee-sen-si-tahyz ]
/ diˈsɛn sɪˌtaɪz /

verb (used with object), de·sen·si·tized, de·sen·si·tiz·ing.

to lessen the sensitiveness of.
to make indifferent, unaware, or the like, in feeling.
Photography. to make less sensitive or wholly insensitive to light, as the emulsion on a film.
Printing. to treat (the design on a lithographic plate) with an etch in order to increase the capacity to retain moisture, and to remove traces of grease.
Chemistry. to reduce the sensitivity of (an explosive) to those stimuli capable of detonating it.
Also especially British, de·sen·si·tise.

Origin of desensitize

First recorded in 1900–05; de- + sensitize

OTHER WORDS FROM desensitize

de·sen·si·tiz·er, noun

Words nearby desensitize

deseed, desegregate, desegregation, deselect, desensitization, desensitize, deseret, deserpidine, desert, desert a sinking ship, desert boot

British Dictionary definitions for desensitise

desensitize

desensitise

/ (diːˈsɛnsɪˌtaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to render insensitive or less sensitive the patient was desensitized to the allergen; to desensitize photographic film
psychol to decrease the abnormal fear in (a person) of a situation or object, by exposing him to it either in reality or in his imagination

Derived forms of desensitize

desensitization or desensitisation, noun desensitizer or desensitiser, noun

Medical definitions for desensitise

desensitize
[ dē-sĕn′sĭ-tīz′ ]

v.

To render insensitive or less sensitive, as a nerve or tooth.
To make an individual nonreactive or insensitive to an antigen.
To make a person emotionally insensitive or unresponsive, as by long exposure or repeated shocks.