high-strung

American  

[hahy-struhng] / ˈhaɪˈstrʌŋ /

adjective

1. at great tension; highly excitable or nervous; edgy.

   high-strung nerves; a high-strung person.

   Synonyms:

   uptight, jittery, edgy, jumpy, temperamental, tense

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Etymology

Origin of high-strung

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Tom is a law professor and his wife, Amy, is a frustrated and high-strung housewife.

From The Wall Street Journal

The high-strung kid is pure nerve and he even looks like one, too; he’s the embodiment of a twitch.

From Los Angeles Times

Lady Constance was easily persuaded as a rule, but the soothing sound of Old Timothy’s voice could make even the most high-strung horse step calmly into a rushing stream.

From Literature

His chestnut pony, Starburst, is as spirited and high-strung as Rainbow is gentle and sweet.

From Literature

Now that Penelope had returned, Margaret would spend the rest of this lovely day cleaning fireplace grates, sweeping carpets, and tending to the whims of her high-strung mistress whenever Lady Constance rang the bell.

From Literature

Related Words

• excitable
• restless