'autosensitization' originates from Greek, specifically the prefix 'auto-' from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self', combined with the English noun 'sensitization' (from Latin/French roots related to 'feeling' or 'sensing').

'auto-' comes from Greek 'autos' ('self'), while 'sensitization' developed from Latin 'sentire' ('to feel') → Medieval/Old French forms (e.g. 'sensibiliser') → modern English 'sensitize' + '-ation'. These elements were joined to form 'autosensitization' in modern medical English.

Initially the elements signified 'making sensitive' or 'self-sensitive'; over time the combined term came to denote the specific immunological or dermatological process of sensitivity developing or spreading within the organism itself.