Insensitize

To render someone or something less sensitive; to blunt the emotional or physical responsiveness to stimuli. This can involve diminishing the capacity to feel pain, emotion, or even external input. The process can be gradual, like repeated exposure to something unpleasant, leading to habituation, or deliberate, such as through medical intervention. It's crucial to consider the context, as the impact of insensitization can vary, sometimes desired for pain management, but detrimental if it hinders empathy or understanding. It's closely related to terms regarding a decreased sensitivity response, but should not be confused with the act of completely removing or destroying the ability to feel.

Insensitize meaning with examples

• The constant exposure to violence on television insensitized many viewers to real-world suffering, making it more difficult to empathize with victims. The news had become background noise; tragedy became less impactful. This lack of emotional response, although possibly helping to cope with the overwhelming amount of coverage, demonstrated the detrimental effects of prolonged exposure without appropriate reflection.
• Before performing the surgery, the anesthesiologist injected a local anesthetic to insensitize the patient's leg. This action, while critical for pain management, temporarily disabled their ability to feel sensations in the target area. It allowed the procedure to be conducted with minimal distress, protecting the patients from potentially overwhelming pain signals during the treatment process.
• Years of working in a demanding and stressful environment insensitized Sarah to the emotional needs of her colleagues. She became desensitized to their personal problems, becoming more focused on efficiency at the cost of relationships. It changed her character significantly from a caring professional to a distant authority which further strained interactions between herself and the work force.
• Through rigorous training, the athlete had to insensitize herself to the pain and discomfort associated with pushing physical limits. This adaptation allowed her to compete at a higher level and achieve seemingly impossible goals. However, the physical response required constant monitoring to guard against injuries, which could go unnoticed for extended periods.