sensitize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sensitize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of making someone more aware of or attentive to a particular issue. For example, "The organization aims to sensitize people about the importance of preserving nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, carotenoids are unable to sensitize singlet molecular oxygen and actually quench it, dissipating the energy safely as heat and leaving harmless ground-state molecular oxygen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These results provided the insight to sensitize engineers to the possibility of dangerous stress concentrations at sharp reentrant corners, notches, cutouts, keyways, screw threads, and similar openings in structures for which the nominal stresses were at otherwise safe levels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since then, related dyes have been developed that sensitize the emulsions to all visible wavelengths and to some in the infrared region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hearings were used in part to refight the battle over Bork, with Republicans still charging that Bork was defeated by a "lynch mob" — actually, he was defeated by himself — and in part, by both ends of the political spectrum, to "sensitize" Kennedy to their concerns.

The New Yorker

Two men were used just to carry the crate of glass plates, and Frith's chemicals, distilled water, cork packaging, and several baths and vessels used to sensitize the plates in situ weighed more than a hundred and twenty pounds.

The New Yorker

After the meeting, Mabuza said, he proposed setting up workshops to help sensitize the police and avoid further secondary victimization of rape victims by skeptical or hostile authorities.

The New Yorker

Democrats and Republicans are competing now to sensitize voters to the narratives that each party will repeat in the next election.

The New York Times

When told of the objection, Ms. Antonelli countered: "Sometimes there are hero objects that sensitize the world.

The New York Times

These should probably be taught to children at an early age before they develop fear or anxiety disorders since bouts of fear or anxiety can sensitize one to further problems.

The New York Times

If you look back over history, you see that while business success can sensitize a politician to the realities other executives face, there's little correlation between business success and political success.

The New York Times

Aesthetic judgments are personal but not necessarily idiosyncratic, and we may well be able to sensitize others to what we find repellent or attractive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sensitize" when you want to emphasize making someone or something more aware or responsive to a particular issue or stimulus. For example, "The training program aims to "sensitize" employees to diversity and inclusion."

Common error

Avoid using "sensitize" when a more direct term like "inform" or "educate" would be clearer. "Sensitize" often implies a deeper emotional or ethical awareness, not just the transfer of information.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sensitize" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what or whom is being made sensitive or aware. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sensitize" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb that means to make someone or something more aware or responsive to a particular issue or stimulus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to promote awareness and understanding in various contexts. It is used in a neutral register and is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. To enhance clarity, avoid using it when simpler words like "inform" or "educate" would suffice. Ludwig's examples and the related phrases offer a deeper understanding of the word's nuances and its effective usage in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make aware

Focuses on the act of imparting knowledge or understanding.

increase awareness

Highlights the process of enhancing understanding or perception.

heighten sensitivity

Emphasizes the intensification of emotional or sensory perception.

make receptive

Implies creating a state of openness and willingness to receive information or experiences.

cultivate understanding

Suggests a gradual process of developing comprehension and empathy.

promote awareness

Highlights the act of actively spreading knowledge or information.

create consciousness

Focuses on bringing something into the realm of awareness or understanding.

sharpen perception

Emphasizes the refinement of sensory or cognitive abilities.

foster appreciation

Suggests nurturing a sense of value or gratitude.

inculcate understanding

Implies instilling knowledge or values through persistent teaching.

FAQs

How can I use "sensitize" in a sentence?

You can use "sensitize" to describe making someone more aware of an issue, like in, "The documentary aims to "sensitize" viewers to the plight of refugees."

What can I say instead of "sensitize"?

Alternatives to "sensitize" include "make aware", "increase awareness", or "heighten sensitivity" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "sensitize" and "inform"?

"Inform" implies conveying factual information, while "sensitize" suggests creating emotional awareness and empathy. You inform someone about a statistic, but you "sensitize" them to the human impact of that statistic.

Is it appropriate to use "sensitize" in formal writing?

Yes, "sensitize" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when discussing social issues, ethical considerations, or the need for greater awareness. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise term for your intended meaning.