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Showing results for hypersensitive. Search instead for hypersensitised.
Synonyms

hypersensitive

American  
[hahy-per-sen-si-tiv] / ˌhaɪ pərˈsɛn sɪ tɪv /

adjective

  1. excessively sensitive.

    to be hypersensitive to criticism.

  2. allergic to a substance to which persons do not normally react.


hypersensitive British  
/ ˌhaɪpəˈsɛnsɪtɪv /

adjective

  1. having unduly vulnerable feelings

  2. abnormally sensitive to an allergen, a drug, or other agent

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of hypersensitive

First recorded in 1870–75; hyper- + sensitive

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.

Given their importance to overall consumption, investors have become hypersensitive to signs of caution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

"The Gardener’s Cat" features Louis, a hypersensitive gardener devastated by the impending loss of his kitten, which has a tumour.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

A post-mortem examination found Hannah died after suffering from a hypersensitive anaphylactic reaction triggered by an ingredient in her hot chocolate that caused an allergic response.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2024

“We know the Sound Transit board is hypersensitive to bad public relations, so they do everything they can to put a positive face on things, and that’s what happened here,” he said.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

Of course, it’s very difficult for Peter, who gets caught in the middle, but no one takes Peter seriously anymore, since he’s hypersensitive and lazy.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

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