Definition of Desensitise

1. Verb. Cause not to be sensitive. "The photographic plate was desensitized"

Exact synonyms: Desensitize
Generic synonyms: Alter, Change, Modify
Specialized synonyms: Benumb, Blunt, Dull, Numb, Bedaze, Daze, Stun, Besot, Stupefy, Deaf, Deafen
Derivative terms: Desensitisation, Desensitization
Antonyms: Sensitise, Sensitize

2. Verb. Make insensitive. "His military training desensitized him"
Exact synonyms: Desensitize
Generic synonyms: Alter, Change, Modify
Derivative terms: Desensitisation, Desensitization
Antonyms: Sensitize

Definition of Desensitise

1. Verb. (alternative spelling of desensitize) ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Desensitise

1. 1. To reduce or remove any form of sensitivity. Synonym: deallergise. 2. To effect desensitization. 3. In dentistry, to eliminate or subdue the painful response of exposed, vital dentin to irritative agents or thermal changes. (05 Mar 2000)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Desensitise

desegregations
deselect
deselectable
deselected
deselecting
deselection
deselections
deselects
desensationalize
desensationalized
desensationalizes
desensationalizing
desensitisation
desensitisation procedure
desensitisation technique
desensitise
desensitised
desensitiser
desensitisers
desensitises
desensitising
desensitization
desensitization procedure
desensitization technique
desensitizations
desensitize
desensitized
desensitizer
desensitizers
desensitizes

Literary usage of Desensitise

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Principles of General Physiology by William Maddock Bayliss (1920)
"Treat it first with sheep serum, so as to desensitise it to this •antigen. Its sensibility to horse serum is now also very small, but is unaffected towards ..."

2. The Theatre of Violence: Narratives of Protagonists in the South African by Don Foster, Paul Haupt, Maresa de Beer (2005)
"Not only did this style of reporting serve to criminalise the popular resistance and desensitise the readers to incidents in 'ungovernable areas' (Lacey, ..."

3. The Second Australasian Conference on Interactive Entertainment: Proceedings by Yusuf Pisan, SIGART. (2005)
"Of particular concern to some is the idea that computer games desensitise their players to such behaviour, or even drive them to it [25]. ..."

4. Recycling Strategies for Road Works by Road Transport Research Programme (1997)
""Desensitise the pavement" and "Provide internal drainage") that are available to the highway designer for reducing the potential damaging effect of water. ..."

5. Emerging Systemic Risks in the 21st Century: An Agenda for Action by OECD International Futures Programme (2003)
"... towards risk cannot be explained by objective assessments or by accepted public values, it might be necessary to educate and desensitise the public. ..."

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