desensitize

de·sen·si·tize (d-sns-tz)

v.

1. To render insensitive or less sensitive, as a nerve or tooth.

2. To make an individual nonreactive or insensitive to an antigen.

3. To make a person emotionally insensitive or unresponsive, as by long exposure or repeated shocks.

---

desensitize

[dēsen′sitīz]

Etymology: L, de + sentire, to feel

1 (in immunology) to render an individual insensitive or less sensitive to any of the various antigens.

2 (in psychiatry) to relieve an emotionally disturbed person of the stress of phobias and neuroses by encouraging discussion of the anxieties and the stressful experiences that cause the emotional problems involved.

3 (in dentistry) to remove or reduce the painful response of vital exposed dentin to irritating substances and temperature changes.

---

desensitize

1. to deprive of sensation.

2. to subject to desensitization.