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.
OTHER WORDS FROM desensitize
de·sen·si·tiz·er, nounWords nearby desensitize
deseed,
desegregate,
desegregation,
deselect,
desensitization,
desensitize,
deseret,
deserpidine,
desert,
desert a sinking ship,
desert boot
British Dictionary definitions for desensitize
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, nounMedical definitions for desensitize
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.