1904; see de- "do the opposite of" + sensitize. Originally of photography development; psychological sense "free from a neurosis" is by 1935. Meaning "make or become insensitive" is by 1955. Related: Desensitized; desensitizing; desensitization.
The photographic plate was desensitized
The war desensitized many soldiers
His military training desensitized him
descry
desecrate
desecration
desegregate
desegregation
desensitize
desert
deserter
desertification
desertion
deserve
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