Definition

To make someone or something overly sensitive to stimuli or reactions.

Example

The medication can hypersensitize the skin, making it react more strongly to allergens.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read that certain experiences can hypersensitize us to feelings of anxiety.

That makes sense; I definitely feel more anxious after stressful situations.

Right? It's like our brains get stuck in that heightened state.

Totally, we need to find ways to calm down and reset.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypersensitize is formed from "hyper-" (meaning over or excessive) and "sensitize" (from Latin "sensibilis", meaning able to feel or perceive). The word describes the process of making someone or something excessively sensitive or responsive to stimuli.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hyper-' meaning excessive and 'sensitize' meaning to make sensitive — this helps you remember that hypersensitize means to make someone overly sensitive.

Visually Confused Words