reactive

[ree-ak-tiv]

adjective

1. tending to react.

2. pertaining to or characterized by reaction.

3. Electricity.,  pertaining to or characterized by reactance.

reactive

/ rɪˈæktɪv, ˌriːækˈtɪvɪtɪ /

adjective

1. readily partaking in chemical reactions

   sodium is a reactive metal

   free radicals are very reactive

2. of, concerned with, or having a reactance

3. responsive to stimulus

4. (of mental illnesses) precipitated by an external cause

   reactive depression

Other Word Forms

• reactively adverb
• reactiveness noun
• antireactive adjective
• hyperreactive adjective
• nonreactive adjective
• overreactive adjective
• unreactive adjective
• reactivity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reactive¹

First recorded in 1705–15; react + -ive

Example Sentences

I’m getting to the point where I explode — I think the term for it is “reactive abuse.”

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It may help them to craft a text, process a confusing message or source a second opinion, which can offer a moment of pause instead of being reactive, she says.

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“Cherry is effervescent. It’s always there waiting to come out. She’s so reactive. And I’m hypervigilant for the warning signs before I react. This was like a rage room.”

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He noted that the vast majority of shootings stem from 911 calls, rather than “proactive policing,” which he said underscores “the reactive nature of these events.”

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“Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast, reactive work on removing this basal cell carcinoma. Thank you!”

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Related Words

• conscious 
• delicate 
• emotional 
• hypersensitive 
• keen 
• nervous 
• perceptive 
• precise 
• receptive 
• responsive 
• susceptible 
• tense 
• touchy 
• tricky 
• unstable