insensibilizar
Lemma Details
Translation: to desensitize; to numb; to make insensitive; to anesthetize
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the adjective 'insensible' (insensitive) with the verbal suffix '-izar' (to make or render). The root comes from Latin 'insensibilis' (that cannot be felt), formed from the prefix 'in-' (not) + 'sensibilis' (sensitive, capable of feeling), which derives from 'sentire' (to feel). The English cognate 'insensible' follows the same Latin origin, and the verb structure parallels English 'to desensitize'.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El dentista tuvo que insensibilizar la encía antes de extraer el diente.
The dentist had to numb the gum before extracting the tooth.
La violencia en los medios puede insensibilizar a los niños frente al sufrimiento ajeno.
Violence in the media can desensitize children to the suffering of others.
Es importante no insensibilizarse ante los problemas sociales.
It's important not to become desensitized to social problems.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'in-sensible-izar' as 'to make not sensible/feeling'
- Remember that 'insensibilizar' sounds like 'insensitivity' + 'realize' = to make insensitive
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Often used in medical contexts to refer to anesthesia or numbing, but also appears in psychological and social discussions about emotional desensitization, particularly regarding violence in media or traumatic experiences.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'insensibilizar' means to make something less sensitive or numb, 'sensibilizar' means the opposite: to make more sensitive or aware.
Notes: The prefix 'in-' is the key difference, completely reversing the meaning.
Mnemonic: 'In-' means 'not' or 'opposite of', so 'insensibilizar' is the opposite of 'sensibilizar'.
Explanation: Both verbs involve restricting something, but 'insensibilizar' restricts feeling or sensation, while 'inmovilizar' restricts movement.
This word:
El anestesista insensibilizó el brazo del paciente.
The anesthetist numbed the patient's arm.
Confused word:
El médico inmovilizó el brazo del paciente con una escayola.
The doctor immobilized the patient's arm with a cast.
Notes: Both are common in medical contexts but affect different bodily functions.
Mnemonic: 'Insensibilizar' deals with sensation ('sens'), while 'inmovilizar' deals with movement ('mov').