desensitize

Verb

desensitize (third-person singular simple present desensitizes, present participle desensitizing, simple past and past participle desensitized)

1. (ambitransitive) To render (someone) emotionally or sensationally less responsive or irresponsive, as by long or repeated exposure to something.
   • Working in an Operating Room desensitized me to the sight of blood.
   • […] child pornography is often used by pedophiles and child sexual abusers to stimulate and whet their own sexual appetites, and as a model for sexual acting out with children; such use of child pornography can desensitize the viewer to the pathology of sexual abuse or exploitation of children, so...1997, Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 1997, Washington, D.C.: United States Congress

   Synonyms:

   deaden, benumb, stupefy

2. (ambitransitive) To render (a person or animal) nonreactive or insensitive to an allergen.
3. (ambitransitive) To render (a photographic plate or film) less sensitive or insensitive to actinic rays of light.
4. (ambitransitive) To free (someone) from the emotional charge of a neurosis or complex.
5. (ambitransitive) To make non-image portions of (a lithographic stone or plate) repellent to ink.