Desensitise meaning

To desensitise means to reduce sensitivity or responsiveness to a particular stimulus over time.


Desensitise definitions

Word backwards esitisnesed
Part of speech Verb
Syllabic division de-sen-si-tise
Plural The plural of the word desensitise is desensitises.
Total letters 11
Vogais (2) e,i
Consonants (4) d,s,n,t

Understanding Desensitization

Desensitization is a process where an individual becomes less sensitive to a particular stimulus over time. This can occur in various contexts, such as emotional responses, physical sensations, or even in the realm of media exposure.

Emotional Desensitization

In terms of emotional desensitization, this can happen when a person is repeatedly exposed to a certain emotion or situation, causing them to become less reactive to it. For example, individuals who witness violence regularly may become desensitized to it, meaning they no longer have the same level of emotional response as they did initially.

Physical Desensitization

On the other hand, physical desensitization occurs when a person's body adapts to a particular sensation, leading to a reduced sensitivity. This can happen with things like pain, temperature, or even taste, where continued exposure diminishes the perception of the sensation.

Media Desensitization

In the context of media exposure, desensitization occurs when individuals are exposed to violent, graphic, or otherwise intense content regularly. Over time, this exposure can lead to a decreased emotional response, making individuals less sensitive to the impact of such content.

The Effects of Desensitization

While desensitization can be a coping mechanism for dealing with overwhelming stimuli, it can also have negative consequences. For example, emotional desensitization may lead to a lack of empathy or compassion towards others, while physical desensitization could result in ignoring important physical cues that indicate harm or danger.

Addressing Desensitization

It's important to be mindful of desensitization in various aspects of life and take steps to address it when necessary. This may involve limiting exposure to triggering stimuli, seeking professional help for emotional desensitization, or practicing mindfulness to increase sensitivity and awareness.

Desensitization can significantly impact an individual's emotional and physical responses. Recognizing the signs of desensitization and taking proactive steps to address it can help maintain a healthy balance in one's sensitivity levels.


Desensitise Examples

  1. Watching violent movies can gradually desensitise individuals to real-life violence.
  2. Exposure therapy is designed to desensitise patients to their fears and phobias.
  3. Continuous loud noise can desensitise the ears to quieter sounds over time.
  4. Repeated exposure to graphic images may desensitise viewers to their shocking nature.
  5. Some medications can desensitise the nerves to reduce pain sensation.
  6. Using numbing cream can desensitise the skin before a medical procedure.
  7. Overuse of certain substances can desensitise receptors in the brain, leading to tolerance.
  8. Years of working in a high-stress environment can desensitise individuals to emotional triggers.
  9. The constant bombardment of negative news can desensitise people to the suffering of others.
  10. Psychopaths may be desensitised to the emotions of others, leading to a lack of empathy.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 08/07/2024 - 23:56:01