supersensitize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Scientific, Specialized
Quick answer
What does “supersensitize” mean?
To make someone or something extremely or excessively sensitive to something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make someone or something extremely or excessively sensitive to something.
To condition or prepare (e.g., photographic film, an individual, or a system) to respond to a very low level of stimulus, often beyond normal sensitivity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling variant: 'supersensitise' is the British English spelling, while 'supersensitize' is standard American English. Usage is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of extreme or artificially induced sensitivity.
Frequency
Very low frequency and highly specialized in both regions. No significant difference in usage frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “supersensitize” in a Sentence
supersensitize + [noun phrase] + to + [noun phrase]supersensitize + [direct object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supersensitize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The researchers aimed to supersensitise the mice to the allergen.
- This chemical can supersensitise the photographic emulsion to red light.
American English
- The protocol was designed to supersensitize the immune system for the study.
- Early exposure might supersensitize a child to certain foods.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form).
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'supersensitised', as in 'supersensitised film').
American English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'supersensitized', as in 'a supersensitized response').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in scientific papers, especially in immunology, psychology, and materials science.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary domain. Used to describe processes in photography, experimental psychology (conditioning), and medical allergy testing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supersensitize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supersensitize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supersensitize”
- Misspelling as 'super-sensitize' (hyphen often unnecessary).
- Confusing with 'sensitize' (supersensitize is a more extreme version).
- Using in non-technical contexts where 'make very sensitive' would be clearer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, technical term used primarily in scientific and specialist contexts.
'Supersensitize' implies a much higher, often excessive or maximal degree of sensitivity, frequently achieved through a specific technical process.
It is possible but highly technical and unnatural for everyday speech. One would typically say 'make someone overly sensitive' or 'hypersensitive'.
The British English spelling is 'supersensitise'.
To make someone or something extremely or excessively sensitive to something.
Supersensitize is usually technical, scientific, specialized in register.
Supersensitize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpəˈsɛnsɪtaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpərˈsɛnsətaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUPER-SENSITIVE person. The word means to make someone or something have SUPER SENSITIVITY.
Conceptual Metaphor
TUNING AN INSTRUMENT TO AN EXTREME PITCH (making it react to the slightest touch).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'supersensitize' MOST likely to be used?