desensitize
dee-SEN-sih-tyze
/diːˈsensɪtaɪz/
To make an animal less sensitive to a stimulus (like loud noises or touch) through gradual, repeated exposure.
This is a slow process; moving too fast can actually 'sensitize' the animal and make the fear worse.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'sentire,' meaning to feel or perceive. The prefix 'de-' indicates removal. It was first used in a medical context regarding allergies before moving into behavioral science.
Word relationships
- habituate: Habituate is often passive (getting used to something), while desensitize is a deliberate training technique.
- sensitize: Sensitize means to make the animal more reactive or fearful of a stimulus.
Commonly confused with
- counter-condition: Desensitizing reduces the reaction; counter-conditioning changes the reaction from negative to positive (e.g., seeing a cat means getting a treat).
Word family
- desensitization (noun): The process of reducing sensitivity.
Collocations
- gradually desensitize
- desensitize to touch
- systematic desensitization
Example sentences
- "We used a recording of storm sounds at a very low volume to desensitize the dog to thunder." Helping a dog with thunder phobia.
Memory hook
DE-SENSITIZE: To take the SENSITIVITY away. Lower the volume of fear.
When not to use
Do not use for teaching a trick; use it for overcoming a fear or an involuntary reaction.
Fun facts
- Police horses are desensitized to fire, sirens, and crowds using 'bomb-proofing' techniques.
Related words
Explore more words
habituation, acclimatize, de-escalate, tolerance, inoculate, mitigate
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