sensitize

verb

sen·​si·​tize ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz 

sensitized; sensitizing

transitive verb

: to make sensitive or hypersensitive

intransitive verb

: to become sensitive

sensitizer noun

Examples of sensitize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those study participants, 56% had developed sensitivities to cockroaches and 59% to mice; 36% were sensitized to dogs, 39% to cats and 35% to dust mites. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Sep. 2024

Molloy believed that she may have initially been sensitized by pesticide exposures while living near San Francisco. —Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024

Also be cautious using active ingredients that can sensitize the skin, such as salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids. —Daley Quinn, Health, 18 July 2024

There are indications that the citizens of many countries are becoming sensitized to this problem. —Ronald Inglehart, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2015

Word History

Etymology

sensitive + -ize

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing sensitize

• re-sensitize

Kids Definition

sensitize

verb

sen·​si·​tize ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz 

sensitized; sensitizing

: to make or become sensitive

Medical Definition

sensitize

transitive verb

sen·​si·​tize

variants also British sensitise

ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz 

sensitized also British sensitised; sensitizing also British sensitising

: to make sensitive or hypersensitive

the patient was sensitized to the drug