1. to make (a substance or organism) sensitive to light, especially to ultraviolet or visible light
Usage: transitive verb; technical/scientific context
2. to undergo or cause to undergo a photochemical reaction in response to light exposure
Usage: transitive or intransitive verb; chemistry and biology

Examples

• The dye was photosensitized to react when exposed to sunlight.
• Researchers photosensitize the cells to study their light-responsive properties.
• The material photosensitizes in the presence of certain wavelengths.
• Photosensitized reactions are used in many industrial printing processes.
• The compound was photosensitized with a catalyst to improve its light absorption.