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Glite Dictionary
desensitization procedure

desensitization procedure

6.7
A treatment that helps people face a fear step by step until they feel less scared
  • noun
  • /ˌdiːˌsɛn.sɪ.tɪˈzeɪ.ʃən prəˈsiː.dʒər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : procedimiento de desensibilización
  • The therapist suggested a desensitization procedure to help Sarah overcome her fear of dogs.

Examples

  • The desensitization procedure helped her overcome her fear of heights.

  • Many psychologists use a desensitization procedure as part of their treatment for specific phobias.

  • During the desensitization procedure, patients are gradually exposed to their source of anxiety.

  • Many therapists recommend a desensitization procedure for anxiety disorders.

  • During the desensitization procedure, patients are gradually exposed to their source of anxiety.

  • Many psychologists use a desensitization procedure as part of their treatment for specific phobias.

  • The therapist suggested a desensitization procedure to help Sarah overcome her fear of dogs.

Synonyms

desensitization
vsdesensitization procedure
  • Specialized
3 6.9

A process that makes someone less sensitive to pain or strong feelings by repeated exposure

is a therapy method focusing on gradual controlled exposure for phobias and anxiety
systematic desensitization
vsdesensitization procedure
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A treatment that slowly exposes someone to what they fear while they relax

is broader, focusing on controlled relaxed exposure until anxiety lessens
desensitization technique
vsdesensitization procedure
  • Specialized
5.6

A method that reduces fear by slowly exposing a person to what scares them in a safe setting

is the clinical application that uses controlled relaxed exposure until anxiety fades
hyposensitization
vsdesensitization procedure
  • Specialized
8.7

A treatment that reduces allergic reactions by giving small, increasing amounts of what causes the allergy

is used in therapy for fears and anxiety rather than allergy treatment

How Intense

flooding
  • Specialized
1 7.4
desensitization procedure
  • Specialized
6.7
systematic desensitization
  • Specialized
1 6.7

Surface Forms

desensitization procedure singular
desensitization procedures plural

Morphology

desensitization + procedure

The phrase is a straightforward compositional noun phrase: 'desensitization' (the process of reducing sensitivity) combined with 'procedure' (ordered steps) yields 'the steps used to desensitize,' which matches the given definition. This is a regular, cross-linguistically common compound pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

Desensitization procedure comes from the idea of making someone less sensitive: desensitization means 'making less sensitive' and procedure means a planned method. Imagine facing something scary in small steps until it feels less scary, so the phrase means a treatment where a person faces their fear slowly until the fear gets smaller.