desensitize

1. To reduce or remove any form of sensitivity. 2. To effect desensitization (1). 3. In dentistry, to eliminate or subdue the painful response of exposed, vital dentin to irritative agents or thermal changes.

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de·sen·si·tize also Brit de·sen·si·tise (')dē-'sen(t)-sə-.tīz vt, -tized also Brit -tised; -tiz·ing also Brit -tis·ing : to make less sensitive: reduce sensitivity in <\desensitize a nerve with a local anesthetic>: as

a) to make (a sensitized or hypersensitive individual) insensitive or nonreactive to a sensitizing agent

b) to extinguish an emotional response (as of fear, anxiety, or guilt) to stimuli which formerly induced it: make emotionally insensitive <evidence that violence on television \desensitizes children to actual violence (Stephanie Harrington)>

c) to decrease a response (as of a cell receptor) progressively following prolonged exposure to a stimulus <formation of cAMP was reduced significantly in desensitized cells and remained low in the continuous presence of agonist (S. M. Nilius )(et al)>

de·sen·si·ti·za·tion also Brit de·sen·si·ti·sa·tion (.)dē-.sen-sət-ə-'zā-shən, -.sen-stə-'zā- n

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de·sen·si·tize (de-senґsĭ-tīz) 1. to deprive of sensation; paralysis of a sensory nerve by section or blocking. 2. to carry out desensitization.