desensitizing - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

desensitizing

|de-sen-si-tiz-ing|

/diːˈsɛnsɪˌtaɪzɪŋ/

(desensitize)

reduce sensitivity

Base Form	Plural	3rd Person Sing.	Past	Past Participle	Present Participle	Adjective
desensitize	desensitizers	desensitizes	desensitized	desensitized	desensitizing	desensitized

Etymology

Etymology Information

'desensitize' originates from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'removal' and 'sensitize' from 'sensus' in Latin, meaning 'feeling'.

Historical Evolution

'desensitize' evolved from the combination of 'de-' and 'sensitize', which itself comes from the Latin 'sensus'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to remove sensitivity', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to make someone or something less sensitive to physical or emotional stimuli.

Repeated exposure to violence on TV can desensitize viewers.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

present participle form of 'desensitize'.

The doctor is desensitizing the patient to the allergen.

Examples

Last updated: 2025/05/18 02:32