View synonyms for high-strung

high-strung

[ hahy-struhng ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

at great tension; highly excitable or nervous; edgy:
high-strung nerves; a high-strung person.
Synonyms: uptight, jittery, edgy, jumpy, temperamental, tense

First recorded in 1740–50

He was “high-strung”—intensely neurotic—yet a charismatic personality nonetheless.

He is high-strung and on edge, and his volatility practically sears the screen.

The real Sean Parker (who I profiled for the September issue of Vanity Fair) is certainly high-strung.

Henry acknowledged in her that great quality of the nervous temperament, the power of rising high-strung to an emergency.

Starbright was right in saying Dade Morgan was proud and high-strung.

High-strung and neurotic, the strain of newspaper work and the tumult of the Comstock had told on him.

We are even willing to believe that a high-strung, nervous girl may imagine herself to be the subject of miraculous influences.

But 'Liz'beth wan't no kind of a mother for such a high-strung lad.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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