hypersensitive

adjective

hy·​per·​sen·​si·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv 

1

: excessively or abnormally sensitive

2

: abnormally susceptible physiologically to a specific agent (such as a drug or antigen)

hypersensitiveness noun

hypersensitivity

ˌhī-pər-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Examples of hypersensitive in a Sentence

She's hypersensitive about her past.

People who are hypersensitive to the chemical may have violent reactions even to small amounts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sensitivity to cold: After frostbite, the affected areas may become hypersensitive to cold, making future cold exposure more uncomfortable. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Nov. 2024

But this steady diet of praise has made the generals hypersensitive to criticism. —Jeff Martini, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2011

Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system is hypersensitive to a substance (allergen). —Daniel More, Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Those whose vestibular system is hypersensitive may feel off-balance or in danger of falling. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hypersensitive

adjective

hy·​per·​sen·​si·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv 

-ˈsen(t)-stiv

: very sensitive especially to an abnormal degree

hypersensitiveness noun

Medical Definition

hypersensitive

adjective

hy·​per·​sen·​si·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv 

1

: excessively or abnormally sensitive

2

: abnormally susceptible physiologically to a specific agent (as a drug or antigen)

hypersensitiveness noun

hypersensitivity

-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural hypersensitivities