sensitize
/'sensitaiz/ Cách viết khác : (sensitise) /'sensitaiz/
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To make (a material) sensitive to light, often of a particular color, by coating it with a photographic emulsion: This is a technical use, primarily in photography.
- To make someone or something sensitive or hypersensitive to a substance, drug, or allergen: This refers to causing a physiological or immunological reaction upon subsequent exposure.
- To cause someone to become aware or more understanding of a particular issue, feeling, or subtlety: This involves making someone more perceptive or responsive, often in a social, emotional, or ethical context.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- The technician will sensitize the photographic film before use.
- Long-term exposure to this antibiotic can sensitize a patient, leading to an allergic reaction.
- The documentary aimed to sensitize the public to the challenges faced by refugees.
- Her experiences abroad sensitized her to cultural nuances in communication.
Advanced Usage
- In a medical/biological context: Refers to the process where an initial exposure primes the immune system to react strongly to a later exposure.
- Repeated insect bites can sensitize an individual, causing severe swelling with each new bite.
- In a social/psychological context: Often used in discussions about raising awareness or changing perceptions.
- The training program is designed to sensitize managers to unconscious bias in the workplace.
Variants and Related Words
- Sensitise: (verb) British English spelling variant of 'sensitize'.
- Sensitization (noun): The process or result of being sensitized.
- Allergic sensitization can occur over time.
- Desensitize (verb): The opposite action; to make less sensitive.
- The goal is to desensitize the patient to the phobia trigger.
Synonyms
- Acclimatize (to a concept or issue):
- Prime (especially in biological/technical contexts):
- Alert (to an issue):
- Sharpen (perception or awareness):
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
(Note: 'Sensitize' is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically conveyed directly or with prepositional phrases like "sensitize to" or "sensitize against.") - Sensitize someone to something: To make someone aware of or reactive to something. - We must sensitize young people to the dangers of online fraud. - Sensitize someone against something: Less common, but can imply creating a defensive sensitivity or aversion. - The campaign sought to sensitize voters against misinformation.
Related Idioms
(Note: There are no common idioms centered on the verb 'sensitize' itself.)
Verb
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make (a material) sensitive to light, often of a particular colour, by coating it with a photographic emulsion
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sensitize the photographic film
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make sensitive to a drug or allergen
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Long-term exposure to this medicine may sensitize you to the allergen
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cause to sense; make sensitive
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She sensitized me with respect to gender differences in this traditional male-dominated society
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My tongue became sensitized to good wine
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make sensitive or aware
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He was not sensitized to her emotional needs
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