sensitization
noun
sen·si·ti·za·tion ˌsen(t)-sə-tə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌsen(t)s-tə-ˈzā-
1
: the action or process of sensitizing
2
: the quality or state of being sensitized (as to an antigen)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web One of the processes that allows pain to move from acute to chronic is the development of central sensitization. 
Jessica Dulong, CNN, 27 June 2022 Generally, sensitization—or the process by which an allergy develops—to mosquito bites happens over the course of multiple bites. Eleesha Lockett, SELF, 8 June 2022 Headaches can also crop up in the early stages, likely due to sensitization in certain neurons and cell receptors, as well as a release of chemicals associated with head pain, according to a 2021 study published in the journal BioRxiv. Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022 Some ailments, like rheumatoid arthritis, can exhibit both peripheral pathology and central sensitization. New York Times, 26 Apr. 2022 Another factor may be what is called central sensitization syndrome, which occurs when the brain is more reactive, Dr. Hurt says. Sumathi Reddy, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021 As a starting point, diversity training and sensitization programs have helped to address bias. Ritu Anand, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2021 Candidates are prioritized on the waitlist by placing them into categories, including blood type and antibody sensitization. Julie Washington, cleveland, 13 July 2021 Many scientists believe this sensitization involves oxytocin, a hormone made in the hypothalamus. Dina Litovsky, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2021 See More
Jessica Dulong, CNN, 27 June 2022 Generally, sensitization—or the process by which an allergy develops—to mosquito bites happens over the course of multiple bites. Eleesha Lockett, SELF, 8 June 2022 Headaches can also crop up in the early stages, likely due to sensitization in certain neurons and cell receptors, as well as a release of chemicals associated with head pain, according to a 2021 study published in the journal BioRxiv. Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022 Some ailments, like rheumatoid arthritis, can exhibit both peripheral pathology and central sensitization. New York Times, 26 Apr. 2022 Another factor may be what is called central sensitization syndrome, which occurs when the brain is more reactive, Dr. Hurt says. Sumathi Reddy, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021 As a starting point, diversity training and sensitization programs have helped to address bias. Ritu Anand, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2021 Candidates are prioritized on the waitlist by placing them into categories, including blood type and antibody sensitization. Julie Washington, cleveland, 13 July 2021 Many scientists believe this sensitization involves oxytocin, a hormone made in the hypothalamus. Dina Litovsky, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Medical Definition
sensitization
noun
sen·si·ti·za·tion
variants also British sensitisation
ˌsen(t)-sət-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌsen(t)-stə-ˈzā-
1
: the action or process of making sensitive or hypersensitive
allergic sensitization of the skin
2
: the process of becoming sensitive or hypersensitive (as to an antigen)
also : the resulting state
3
: a form of nonassociative learning characterized by an increase in responsiveness upon repeated exposure to a stimulus compare habituation sense 3