Meaning & use
desensitization
Last updated
The process of reducing or eliminating an emotional, physical, or psychological response to something through repeated exposure.
See it in a sentence
Repeated exposure to violent media can lead to emotional desensitization.
The allergist recommended a course of desensitization injections to reduce her reaction to pollen.
A note on using this word
In psychology, "systematic desensitization" is a specific therapeutic technique used to treat phobias through gradual, controlled exposure.
Words with a similar meaning
habituationhardening
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
sensitization
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “desensitization”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.