Desensitize
/ˌdiːˈsɛn.sɪ.taɪz/noun
To make someone or something less sensitive or reactive.
Did you know?Desensitize is a modern formation built from the same Latin root behind words like sense and sentient, showing how English can literally turn perception on and off with prefixes.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
sensus
“feeling, perception, sense”
Late Latin
Latin
sensitivus
“capable of feeling or perceiving”
17th Century
English
sensitive
“easily affected by sensation or emotion”
Early 19th Century
English
desensitize
“to make less sensitive or less responsive”
Modern English
English
desensitize
“to reduce sensitivity or responsiveness, especially to emotional or physical stimuli”