sensitization

sen·si·tize  (sns-tz)

v. sen·si·tized, sen·si·tiz·ing, sen·si·tiz·es

v.tr.

1. To make sensitive: "The polarity principle . . . sensitizes the observer to the coexistence of seemingly contradictory phenomena" (Heinz Eulau).

2. To make (a film or plate) sensitive to light, especially to light of a specific wavelength.

3. To make hypersensitive or reactive to an antigen, such as pollen, especially by a second or repeated exposure.

v.intr.

To become sensitive or hypersensitive.

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[sensit(ive) + -ize.]

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sensi·ti·zation (-t-zshn) n.

sensi·tizer n.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	sensitization - the state of being sensitive (as to an antigen) sensitisation irritation - (pathology) abnormal sensitivity to stimulation; "any food produced irritation of the stomach" predisposition, sensitivity - susceptibility to a pathogen
	2.	sensitization - (psychology) the process of becoming highly sensitive to specific events or situations (especially emotional events or situations) sensitisation physical process, process - a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states; "events now in process"; "the process of calcification begins later for boys than for girls" psychological science, psychology - the science of mental life
	3.	sensitization - rendering an organism sensitive to a serum by a series of injections sensitising, sensitizing, sensitisation immunisation, immunization - the act of making immune (especially by inoculation)