Definition of "sensitize" [sen•si•tize]

• To make sensitive: "The polarity principle . . . sensitizes the observer to the coexistence of seemingly contradictory phenomena” ( Heinz Eulau). (verb-transitive)
• To make (a film or plate) sensitive to light, especially to light of a specific wavelength. (verb-transitive)
• To make hypersensitive or reactive to an antigen, such as pollen, especially by a second or repeated exposure. (verb-transitive)
• To become sensitive or hypersensitive. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "SENSITIVE—To sensitize is to make something more sensitive."
• "Add omega-3 essential fatty acids to our diets, which help "sensitize" our cells to insulin."
• "The intent of the program is to sensitize those most closely involved with Alzheimer's patients to develop a higher degree of understanding and patience in dealing with their behaviors and what it takes for them to get through the day,? said Dan Fox, a partner of Right at Home."