desensitize

present singular third person desensitizes · participle present desensitizing · participle past desensitized · past desensitized · alternative desensitise

1. To reduce or eliminate the sensitivity of (someone) or in (something); to become insensitive.
   1. ambitransitiveTo render (someone) emotionally or sensationally less responsive or irresponsive, as by long or repeated exposure to something.

      Working in an Operating Room desensitized me to the sight of blood.

      1 more example

      […] child pornography is often used by pedophiles and child sexual abusers to stimulate and whet their own sexual appetites, and as a model for sexual acting out with children; such use of child pornography can desensitize the viewer to the pathology of sexual abuse or exploitation of children, so that it can become acceptable to and even preferred by the viewer;[…]

      1997, Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 1997, Washington, D.C.: United States Congress

      Synonyms: deaden, benumb, stupefy

   2. ambitransitiveTo render (a person or animal) nonreactive or insensitive to an allergen.
   3. ambitransitiveartsTo render (a photographic plate or film) less sensitive or insensitive to actinic rays of light.
   4. ambitransitivehuman sciencesTo free (someone) from the emotional charge of a neurosis or complex.
   5. ambitransitivemediaTo make non-image portions of (a lithographic stone or plate) repellent to ink.