Desensitize

Pronunciation: /diːˈsɛnsɪˌtaɪz/

Definitions of desensitize

verb to make less sensitive or responsive to something

Example Sentences

A1 Watching scary movies can desensitize you to violence.

A2 Exposure to loud noises can desensitize your hearing over time.

B1 Therapists often use gradual exposure to desensitize patients to their fears.

B2 Being in a war zone can desensitize soldiers to the horrors of combat.

C1 Continuous exposure to graphic content can desensitize individuals to the impact of violence.

C2 Some argue that the media desensitizes society to real-world issues by overexposing them.

Examples of desensitize in a Sentence

formal Exposure therapy is often used to desensitize individuals to their fears.

informal Watching violent movies can desensitize people to real-life violence.

slang Playing video games for hours can desensitize you to the violence in them.

figurative Constant exposure to negativity can desensitize a person's emotional responses.

Grammatical Forms of desensitize

• past tense: desensitized
• plural: desensitizes
• comparative: more desensitized
• superlative: most desensitized
• present tense: desensitizes
• future tense: will desensitize
• perfect tense: has desensitized
• continuous tense: is desensitizing
• singular: desensitizes
• positive degree: desensitize
• infinitive: to desensitize
• gerund: desensitizing
• participle: desensitized

Origin and Evolution of desensitize

First Known Use: 1883 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'desensitize' originated from the combination of the prefix 'de-' meaning 'reversal' or 'removal' and the word 'sensitize' meaning 'to make sensitive'.

Evolution of the word: Initially used in medical contexts to refer to reducing sensitivity to a particular stimulus, the word 'desensitize' has evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts, including emotional and psychological desensitization.