Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

highly strung

British  

adjective

  1. tense and easily upset; excitable; nervous

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Aimée Kelly plays the role with a winning blend of caustic humor and narcissistic self-pity: She’s highly strung, manipulative and insecure.

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2023

Under the FMBA, with its direct reporting line to the Kremlin, Star City’s clinic was a highly strung place.

From Reuters • Nov. 13, 2020

Neither rescuer had anticipated that the "highly strung" animal may attempt to flee the large enclosure, which currently held three other kangaroos.

From BBC • Aug. 1, 2018

At Coachella, there were also hints of screamo in the mix, with Myers delivering lines with a highly strung abandon.

From The Guardian • Apr. 18, 2016

A member of the Non-European Unity Movement, Don had grown up in the diamond-mining area of Kimberley and was a rugged, fearless fellow who was also highly strung.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela