desensitization
UK[ˌdiːˌsensətaɪˈzeɪʃən]US[ˌdiːˌsensətəˈzeɪʃən]
n
The process of making someone or something less sensitive or less likely to react strongly to something.
n
The reduction or elimination of an emotional or physical reaction to a stimulus after repeated exposure.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
sensit
ization
de
remove
sensit
sense
ization
process of making
Etymology
The word 'desensitization' is a modern scientific and psychological term built from classical components. Its core, the Latin root sentire (to feel), passed into English via French, forming words like 'sense' and 'sensitive.' The prefix 'de-' systematically negates or reverses the action, here meaning "to remove." The suffix '-ization' converts the entire construction into a noun denoting the process. Thus, the literal morpheme logic—"the process of making (something) have its sense/feeling removed"—maps directly to its modern abstract meanings, whether describing medical treatments to reduce allergic reactions or psychological techniques to diminish emotional responses to phobias or violence.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + sensit (sense) + ization (process of making)
de: A Latin prefix meaning "down from, off, away, removal, reversal."
sensit: Derived from the Latin root sens- (to feel, perceive), a direct substring of the English word "sensitive."
ization: A noun-forming suffix of Latin/Greek origin via French and English, indicating "the process or result of making or becoming."
Examples
The therapy involves gradual desensitization to the source of the patient's anxiety.
Repeated exposure to violent media may lead to desensitization.
The desensitization of the nerves was a deliberate part of the medical procedure.