hypersensitize

verb

hy·​per·​sen·​si·​tize ˌhī-pər-ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz 

variants also British hypersensitise

hypersensitized; hypersensitizing

transitive verb

: to cause extreme or excessive sensitivity in : to make (something or someone) hypersensitive

hypersensitize tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents

… subdued by censorship and hypersensitized by inherited and actual grievances.

—Joseph O'Neill

Ironically, these painkillers can even end up hypersensitizing people to pain.

—Emily Yoffe

hypersensitization

ˌhī-pər-ˌsen(t)-sə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌsen(t)s-tə-ˈzā-

noun

also British hypersensitisation

central nervous system hypersensitization

hypersensitization of film for astronomical photography

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hypersensitize

transitive verb

hy·​per·​sen·​si·​tize

variants also British hypersensitise

-ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz 

hypersensitized also British hypersensitised; hypersensitizing also British hypersensitising

: to make hypersensitive