desensitize

/diˈsɛnsɪtaɪz/

/diˈsɛnsɪtaɪz/

Other forms: desensitized; desensitizing; desensitizes

To desensitize is to make less sensitive, or less easily upset. Some people say that watching scary movies desensitizes kids to violence.

A shot of novocaine desensitizes you to the pain of having a cavity drilled by your dentist, and lots of spicy food can desensitize you to more subtle flavors. In both cases, you become less perceptive, or less affected by a sensation or taste. Witnessing violence can likewise desensitize soldiers or war reporters. The word originally referred to photographic development, from de-, "do the opposite of," and sensitize, with its Latin root sentire, "feel or perceive."

Definitions of desensitize

1. verb

   make insensitive
   “His military training desensitized him”

   synonyms: desensitise

   antonyms:

   sensitize

   make sensitive or aware

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
2. verb

   cause not to be sensitive
   “The war desensitized many soldiers”

   “The photographic plate was desensitized”

   synonyms: desensitise

   antonyms:

   sensitize

   cause to sense; make sensitive

   types:

   benumb, blunt, dull, numb

   make numb or insensitive

   bedaze, daze, stun

   overcome as with astonishment or disbelief

   besot, stupefy

   make someone dazed or foolish

   deaf, deafen

   make or render deaf

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation