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

In contrast, vulnerable narcissistic leaders are insecure, hypersensitive to feedback, and prone to emotional volatility (e.g., Richard Nixon, Christina Kirchner, Vladimir Putin, Howard Hughes, and Steve Jobs). —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

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

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