desensitization

[ dee-sen-si-tuh-zey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of desensitizing.
2. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. the elimination or reduction of natural or acquired reactivity or sensitivity to an external stimulus, as an allergen.
3. Psychiatry. a behavior modification technique, used especially in treating phobias, in which panic or other undesirable emotional response to a given stimulus is reduced or extinguished, especially by repeated exposure to that stimulus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of desensitization¹

First recorded in 1920–25; desensitize + -ation

Example Sentences

Now, with Hunnam — another blatantly attractive lead actor — set to helm a performance about Gein, we can only assume that a similar pattern of social media desensitization will ensue.

From Salon

Despite the fact that different forms of immunotherapy or allergen desensitization have shown promising results, the most effective strategy for avoiding allergic reactions is still to refrain from eating foods that may contain allergens.

From Salon

O’Rahilly says that desensitization could also explain why most people feel less sick as pregnancy progresses, even as GDF15 levels remain high.

From Science Magazine

Men of color report navigating online racism through strategies of silence and attempting emotional desensitization to racism.

From Scientific American

A newer method, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is rapidly growing in popularity.

From New York Times