insensitize
|in-sen-si-tize|
/ɪnˈsɛn.sɪˌtaɪz/
make not feel; reduce responsiveness
Etymology
'insensitize' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the prefix 'in-' + the verb 'sensitize', where 'in-' negates and 'sens-' (from Latin 'sentire') meant 'to feel'.
'insensitize' was formed in English by adding the negative prefix 'in-' to 'sensitize'. 'Sensitize' itself developed from French 'sensibiliser' and Latin 'sensibilis', which derive from Latin 'sentire' ('to feel'), and the modern English verb structure produced 'insensitize'.
Initially formed to mean 'make not sensitive' (i.e., reduce sensitivity), and over time it has retained this core meaning of reducing physical or emotional responsiveness.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make less sensitive to physical stimuli (e.g., pain, touch, or sensory input); to reduce physiological responsiveness.
Repeated exposure to loud noise can insensitize workers to the hazard.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/02 11:40