The word "hyposensitise" is spelled with six syllables and is pronounced as "haɪpəʊsɛnsɪtaɪz". The first syllable "hy-" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, followed by "po" pronounced as "poh". The next syllable "sens" is pronounced as "sens", and the fourth syllable "i" is pronounced as "ih". The fifth syllable "-tise" is pronounced with a long "i" sound followed by "z". This term refers to the medical process of gradually reducing a person's sensitivity to a particular allergen.
Hyposensitize (also spelled as Hypersensitize) is a term used in medical and psychological contexts to refer to the process of gradually reducing or desensitizing a person's sensitivity or reaction to a specific stimulus. It involves exposing the individual to a controlled and gradually increasing dosage of the stimulus that usually triggers a heightened response.
In the field of medicine, hyposensitization is commonly used in immunotherapy, specifically allergen immunotherapy, to treat allergies by reducing an individual's sensitivity to certain allergens. This process typically involves administering small amounts of the allergen either through injections, sublingual drops or tablets, with the objective of gradually decreasing the allergic response over time. By introducing small and increasing quantities of the allergen into the body, the immune system gradually becomes less reactive to the substance, reducing allergic symptoms and improving the person's tolerance towards the allergen.
In the realm of psychology, hyposensitization is employed as a therapeutic technique in behavioral therapy to help individuals overcome phobias or anxieties. This process typically involves a series of gradual exposure to the feared object or situation, allowing the person to become desensitized to the fear response over repeated and controlled encounters. By gradually exposing the person to the stimulus while providing relaxation techniques and support, the individual's sensitivity to the feared stimulus is reduced, and eventually, their fear or anxiety associated with it subsides.
Overall, hyposensitize refers to the process of gradually reducing sensitivity or reactions to specific stimuli, whether it is in the realm of allergies or psychological conditions.
The term hyposensitize is derived from two roots: hypo- and sensitize.
1. Hypo- is a prefix derived from the Greek word hupó, meaning under or less than. It is commonly used in English to indicate something being below normal or lesser in intensity.
2. Sensitize is a verb form of the word sensitive, which comes from the Latin word sensibilis, meaning capable of feeling or perceiving. In English, it refers to the process of making someone or something more sensitive or susceptible to a particular stimulus.
Therefore, hyposensitize combines the prefix hypo- meaning less than with the verb sensitize, resulting in a word meaning to make someone or something less sensitive or less reactive to a certain stimulus.