Definition

To reduce the sensitivity of someone or something, especially in relation to allergies or irritants.

Example

The doctor decided to hyposensitize the patient to the allergen to help reduce their reactions.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard they can hyposensitize people to allergens now.

Really? How does that even work?

They expose you to very small amounts over time to help your body adjust.

That sounds interesting, especially for people with allergies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hyposensitize → It is formed from "hypo-" (meaning under or below) and "sensitize" (from Latin "sensibilis", meaning able to feel or perceive). The word means to make someone less sensitive or to reduce sensitivity, particularly in a medical context.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'under' ('hypo-') the usual level of 'feeling' ('sensitize') — that's why hyposensitize means to reduce sensitivity.

Visually Confused Words