Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of making an organism sensitive to a substance: In immunology, "sensitization" refers to the process of inducing a state of heightened reactivity in an organism, typically through initial exposure to an antigen or serum.
   • Increased psychological sensitivity: In psychology, "sensitization" is the process by which an individual becomes increasingly responsive or sensitive to specific stimuli, particularly emotional or stressful events.
   • The state of being sensitive: The condition of being responsive or reactive to a particular agent, such as an allergen or antigen.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sensitization of the patient to the allergen was confirmed by a skin test.
  • Repeated exposure to traumatic news can lead to emotional sensitization.
  • The sensitization of the photographic film must be done in a darkroom.

Advanced Usage

• "Central sensitization": In medicine, a condition of the nervous system associated with chronic pain where neurons become increasingly responsive.

  • Chronic pain syndromes often involve a process of central sensitization.

• "Behavioral sensitization": In neuroscience and psychology, the increased response to a stimulus following repeated administration.

  • Repeated use of the drug resulted in behavioral sensitization to its effects.

Variants and Related Words

• Sensitize (verb): To make sensitive or aware.
  • The campaign aims to sensitize the public to environmental issues.
• Desensitization (noun): The process of making less sensitive.
  • Systematic desensitization is a therapy for phobias.
• Sensitizer (noun): An agent that causes sensitization.
  • Certain chemicals act as photosensitizers.

Synonyms

• Hypersensitization: The induction of an exaggerated immune response.
• Priming: Preparing or making something more receptive.
• Alerting: Making someone aware or vigilant.

Related Phrases

• "Allergic sensitization": The initial process by which the immune system becomes reactive to a normally harmless substance.

  • Early childhood exposure can influence the risk of allergic sensitization.

• "Sensitization period": The time during which sensitivity is developed.

  • The sensitization period for this vaccine is several weeks.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. rendering an organism sensitive to a serum by a series of injections
2. (psychology) the process of becoming highly sensitive to specific events or situations (especially emotional events or situations)
3. the state of being sensitive (as to an antigen)