What does "desensitize" mean?

To reduce or eliminate the sensitivity of (someone) or in (something); to become insensitive.; To render (someone) emotionally or sensationally less responsive or irresponsive, as by long or repeated exposure to something.

What is a synonym for "desensitize"?

Common synonyms include: anesthetize, bedaze, benumb, benumb, besot, blunt.

How do you pronounce "desensitize"?

Pronounced //diːˈsɛnsɪtaɪz//.

Desensitize

//diːˈsɛnsɪtaɪz// verb

verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Verb

1
To reduce or eliminate the sensitivity of (someone) or in (something); to become insensitive.; To render (someone) emotionally or sensationally less responsive or irresponsive, as by long or repeated exposure to something. ambitransitive
"Working in an Operating Room desensitized me to the sight of blood."
2
make insensitive wordnet
3
To reduce or eliminate the sensitivity of (someone) or in (something); to become insensitive.; To render (a person or animal) nonreactive or insensitive to an allergen. ambitransitive
4
cause not to be sensitive wordnet
5
To reduce or eliminate the sensitivity of (someone) or in (something); to become insensitive.; To render (a photographic plate or film) less sensitive or insensitive to actinic rays of light. ambitransitive

Show 2 more definitions

6
To reduce or eliminate the sensitivity of (someone) or in (something); to become insensitive.; To free (someone) from the emotional charge of a neurosis or complex. ambitransitive
7
To reduce or eliminate the sensitivity of (someone) or in (something); to become insensitive.; To make non-image portions of (a lithographic stone or plate) repellent to ink. ambitransitive