sensitization
UK: ˌsɛnsɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən | US: ˌsɛnsɪtəˈzeɪʃən
n. the process of becoming sensitive or hypersensitive to a substance or stimulus
n. (psychology) the increased responsiveness to a stimulus after repeated exposure
n. (immunology) the development of an allergic reaction to an antigen
sensitization = sensit<feel> + ize<verb suffix> + ation<noun suffix>
- sensit (from Latin sensitus, past participle of sentire "to feel") → retains core meaning of perception or responsiveness.
- ize (Greek-derived suffix -izein) → indicates verb formation ("to make or become").
- ation (Latin -atio) → forms nouns denoting a process or result.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin sentire ("to feel"), evolving through French sensitif and English "sensitive." The suffix -ize (via Greek) was added to create the verb "sensitize," meaning "to make sensitive." Finally, -ation nominalized the process, yielding "sensitization"—a term now pivotal in medicine, psychology, and immunology to describe heightened reactivity.
Repeated exposure to pollen led to her sensitization and subsequent allergies.
The study focused on pain sensitization in chronic patients.
Chemical sensitization in the workplace requires strict safety protocols.
Early childhood trauma can contribute to emotional sensitization.
The lab confirmed sensitization to penicillin through skin testing.