high-strung

[hahy-struhng]

adjective

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

   high-strung nerves; a high-strung person.

   Synonyms: uptight, jittery, edgy, jumpy, temperamental, tense

Word History and Origins

Origin of high-strung¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Her high-strung sensibilities might align with Everett’s mind for business, but Meredith certainly isn’t the kind of woman that can loosen up the eldest son’s stiff demeanor.

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Yet despite how high-strung she could be for no good reason, Marnie was and is lovable.

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Mir, a high-strung anxious perfectionist, was written as more of the audience stand-in, the straight man.

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“She has a palpable warmth,” Morrison writes, “and, like Michaels, has a knack for dealing with high-strung famous people.”

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It’s a universe removed from his Emmy-nominated performance as the high-strung Chip in “The Morning Show” — but it’s a role he seems to relish.

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Related Words

• excitable 
• restless