sensitization

/ˌsɛnsɪtəˈzeɪʃən/

Feeling more sensitive these days? It might be the result of sensitization, the process of making someone react to something that previously had no effect.

The noun sensitization is formed from the verb sensitize, which in turn comes from the adjective sensitive, meaning "capable of sensation." In psychology talk, a person might develop a sensitization from an emotional situation. For example, a child who is verbally bullied on a regular basis might, through constant fear of attack, develop a sensitization toward other children and become more withdrawn.

Definitions of sensitization

1. noun

   (psychology) the process of becoming highly sensitive to specific events or situations (especially emotional events or situations)
   synonyms: sensitisation

   type of:

   physical process, process

   a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states
2. noun

   the state of being sensitive (as to an antigen)
   synonyms: sensitisation

   types:

   irritation

   (pathology) abnormal sensitivity to stimulation

   type of:

   predisposition, sensitivity

   susceptibility to a pathogen
3. noun

   rendering an organism sensitive to a serum by a series of injections
   synonyms: sensitisation, sensitising, sensitizing

   type of:

   immunisation, immunization

   the act of making immune (especially by inoculation)