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desensitize

verb

/diːˈsɛnsɪtʌɪz/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of desensitize

To decrease the emotional or physiological response to a stimulus over time.
"Exposure therapy can help desensitize people to their phobias."

Detailed meaning of desensitize

This can be achieved through exposure to the stimulus in a controlled manner, typically in small increments, in order to reduce the intensity of the response. It is a form of behavioral therapy used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as phobias, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, someone with a phobia of spiders may be gradually exposed to pictures of spiders, then to toy spiders, then to real spiders in a controlled environment, with the goal of reducing their fear response. Desensitization can also be used to reduce sensitivity to pain or to help people become accustomed to certain sounds, smells or other stimuli in order to reduce discomfort or distraction.

Example sentences containing desensitize

1. Repeated exposure to violence in media can desensitize individuals to real-life violence.
2. It is important to desensitize a dog to various stimuli to prevent it from becoming fearful or aggressive.
3. Some therapists use virtual reality to desensitize patients to their phobias.
4. Overusing antibiotics can desensitize your body to their effects over time.
5. It is important to gradually desensitize yourself to allergens under medical supervision.
6. It can be helpful to desensitize yourself to criticism by seeking constructive feedback regularly.

History and etymology of desensitize

The verb 'desensitize' has its etymological roots in the combination of two words: 'de-' (meaning 'remove' or 'reverse') and 'sensitize' (which derives from 'sensitivus,' the Latin word for 'sensitive'). 'Desensitize' describes the process of decreasing the emotional or physiological response to a stimulus over time, effectively reducing sensitivity to a particular trigger or situation. The term embodies the idea of gradually lessening reactivity or responsiveness, often employed in discussions of psychological therapies, medical treatments, or even societal desensitization to certain stimuli through repeated exposure. 'Desensitize' reflects the human capacity to adapt and become less reactive to stimuli that may have initially elicited strong emotional or physical reactions, resulting in a muted or diminished response.

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Further usage examples of desensitize

1. Parents should monitor their children's screen time to ensure they do not desensitize them to inappropriate content.
2. Overexposure to graphic images and news can desensitize us to the suffering of others.
3. It is important to desensitize a horse to various sights and sounds before taking it to a busy event.
4. Medical professionals often work to desensitize patients to pain using various techniques.
5. Some therapies aim to desensitize individuals to traumatic memories to reduce their emotional impact.
6. If you want to overcome your fear of public speaking, you need to desensitize yourself by practicing in front of an audience regularly.
7. It is important to desensitize children to the sights and sounds of a dental office before their first appointment.
8. Exposure therapy can help desensitize people to the triggers of their anxiety.
9. To prevent allergies, it may be helpful to desensitize yourself by gradually increasing your exposure to allergens.
10. It is essential to desensitize soldiers to the stresses of combat to ensure they can perform under pressure.
11. Overconsumption of sensationalized news can desensitize us to important issues.
12. It is important to desensitize pets to loud noises to prevent them from becoming anxious or scared.
13. To enjoy a comfortable flight, it may be helpful to desensitize yourself to the sounds and sensations of an airplane.
14. It is crucial to desensitize young animals to human interaction to ensure they are comfortable around people.