Definition of desensitize verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

desensitize

verb (British English also -ise)

ˌdiːˈsensətaɪz desensitize pronunciation American

ˌdiːˈsensətaɪz

[usually passive]

1 desensitize somebody/something (to something) to make somebody/something less aware of something, especially a problem or something bad, by making them become used to itPeople are increasingly becoming desensitized to violence on television.Doctors and medical researchers have to become desensitised in order to do their jobs.2 desensitize somebody/something (technical) to treat somebody/something so that they will stop being sensitive to physical or chemical changes, or to a particular substanceThere is no effective serum to desensitize people who are allergic to fleas.desensitization, -isation

ˌdiːˌsensətaɪˈzeɪʃn desensitization pronunciation American

ˌdiːˌsensətəˈzeɪʃn

noun [uncountable]