Desensitization

/diːˌsɛn.sɪ.tɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ noun

A behavioral therapy technique that gradually reduces anxiety responses by pairing relaxation with progressively more anxiety-provoking stimuli.

From 'de-' (reversal) + 'sensitive' from Latin 'sentire' (to feel) + '-ization.' Developed by Joseph Wolpe in the 1950s.

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