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desensitizing

/'di:'sensitaiziɳ/
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Explanation of "Desensitizing"

Desensitizing is an adjective that describes a process or action that makes someone or something less sensitive to feeling or reacting to certain things. This can refer to both physical sensations (like pain) and emotional responses (like fear or sadness).

Examples
  1. Physical Context: "The doctor used a desensitizing cream on the patient's skin to help reduce pain during the procedure."
  2. Emotional Context: "After watching many violent movies, he became desensitizing to scenes of violence and no longer felt shocked."
Advanced Usage

In psychology, desensitization refers to a therapeutic technique where a person is gradually exposed to a fear or anxiety-inducing stimulus until they become less sensitive to it. This is often used in treating phobias.

Word Variants
  • Desensitize (verb): To make less sensitive.
    • Example: "The therapist will help desensitize the patient to their fears."
  • Desensitization (noun): The process of becoming desensitized.
    • Example: "Desensitization therapy can be effective for those with anxiety disorders."
Different Meanings
  • In Media: Desensitizing can refer to how people become less affected by violence or distressing content seen in movies, video games, or news reports.
  • In Medicine: It can refer to reducing sensitivity to allergens or pain through repeated exposure.
Synonyms
  • Apathy: Lack of interest or concern.
  • Indifference: Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.
  • Insensitivity: Lack of responsiveness to stimuli or emotions.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
  • "Turn a blind eye": This idiom means to ignore something, which can relate to being desensitized to certain issues or problems.
  • "Brush off": To dismiss something as unimportant; this can also reflect a desensitized attitude.
Summary

Desensitizing refers to making someone or something less sensitive, whether it's to physical sensations or emotional experiences. It has applications in various fields, including medicine and psychology, and can also describe societal reactions to media.

Adjective
  1. making less susceptible or sensitive to either physical or emotional stimuli

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