get desensitized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get desensitized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of becoming less sensitive or responsive to something, often due to repeated exposure. Example: "After watching so many horror movies, I feel like I've started to get desensitized to the violence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But you have to remember, you can't get desensitized".

The New York Times - Tech

"You do this so often you get desensitized to it," he said hours later.

The New York Times

(As Bart Simpson once put it, "If you don't watch the violence, you'll never get desensitized to it").

The New Yorker

I hope I never get desensitized to death.

Vice

But after a while, you get desensitized to it.

Vice

Over time you get desensitized to the downsizing process, so it gets easier.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

DeWalt recently lamented that consumers have gotten "desensitized" to cybercrime.

Forbes

Because everyone gets desensitized and you've got to at some point pull out.

Huffington Post

Teen-agers, Rizzi told me, have "become desensitized to the type of P.S.A. that uses fear to get its point across," so they presented the campaign as a practical tool kit.

The New Yorker

We have managed to become desensitized to Playboy.

Huffington Post

In the twenty years since then, people have got more desensitized.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing violence, verify that the use of the phrase "get desensitized" is not insensitive to people who may have been affected by certain events.

Common error

While "get desensitized" is acceptable, overuse can diminish its impact. In formal writing, consider more nuanced alternatives like "become indifferent" or "lose sensitivity" to convey specific shades of meaning and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get desensitized" functions primarily as a predicate in sentences, describing a process of becoming less sensitive. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe emotional, ethical, or physical numbing. Ludwig AI confirms this is considered correct and usable English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get desensitized" is a phrase used to describe a reduction in sensitivity due to repeated exposure, as shown by Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, but it’s important to be aware of potential negative connotations, particularly in sensitive contexts. While generally neutral in register, being mindful of context and considering synonyms like "become numb" or "lose sensitivity" can help refine your writing. Top sources using the phrase include The New York Times, Vice, and Huffington Post. Overall, the phrase is more frequently used in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become desensitized to

Direct synonym, emphasizing the process of reduced sensitivity.

become numb

Implies a complete loss of feeling, often emotional or psychological.

lose sensitivity

Suggests a gradual decline in the ability to react to stimuli.

grow callous

Indicates the development of a hardened attitude, often towards suffering.

become indifferent

Signifies a lack of concern or interest.

harden oneself

Describes a deliberate effort to become less vulnerable to emotional pain.

develop thick skin

Refers to becoming less easily offended or upset by criticism.

become jaded

Suggests a loss of enthusiasm or excitement due to overexposure.

acclimatize oneself

Describes process of getting used to adverse conditions or things.

normalize something

Describes process of seeing something as normal through constant seeing.

FAQs

What does it mean to "get desensitized"?

To "get desensitized" means to gradually become less sensitive or responsive to something, often due to repeated exposure. It can apply to emotions, physical sensations, or even moral issues.

How can I use "get desensitized" in a sentence?

You might say, "After working in the emergency room for years, the doctors started to get desensitized to the sight of blood" or "Watching too much violence on TV can make children get desensitized to it."

What are some synonyms for "get desensitized"?

Alternatives include "become numb", "lose sensitivity", or "grow callous". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "get desensitized"?

While often used in negative contexts, such as becoming desensitized to violence, sometimes it can be beneficial. For instance, therapy might involve desensitizing someone to a phobia to reduce their anxiety.