Desensitized - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Desensitized means becoming less sensitive or responsive to something, often due to repeated exposure. It can refer to emotions, reactions, or physical sensations, like becoming accustomed to loud noises.
Definition:
Made less sensitive or emotionally responsive, often due to repeated exposure.
Synonyms:
numb, unfeeling, indifferent, hardened
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb (past participle)
Antonyms:
sensitive, responsive, aware
Common Collocations:
desensitized to violence, become desensitized, emotionally desensitized
Derivatives:
desensitize, desensitizing, desensitization
Usage Tips:
Use "desensitized" to describe reduced emotional reaction after repeated exposure to stimuli like violence or stress.
Common Phrases:
desensitized to pain, media-desensitized audience
Etymology:
From "de-" (reverse) + "sensitive," first used in early 20th century psychology contexts.
Examples:
- 1. The loud noises no longer bothered him; he had become desensitized after years of construction work.
- 2. Children exposed to violent games may grow desensitized to real-life aggression.
- 3. She felt desensitized to bad news after scrolling through endless headlines daily.
- 4. The soldier was desensitized to the horrors of war after multiple deployments.