hypersensitive

[hahy-per-sen-si-tiv]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR hypersensitive ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

excessively sensitive: to be hypersensitive to criticism.

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

Origin of hypersensitive

First recorded in 1870–75; hyper- + sensitive

Related formshy·per·sen·si·tive·ness, hy·per·sen·si·tiv·i·ty, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for hypersensitivity

soreness, irritability, inflammation, tenderness, susceptibility, rawness, excitability, tenseness, sensitivity, aversion, vulnerability, oversensitivity

Examples from the Web for hypersensitivity

Contemporary Examples of hypersensitivity

The examples of this latest explosion of hypersensitivity are too numerous to recount, but a few should suffice.
Warning: This Column Will Offend You
Michael Moynihan
April 28, 2014
Joie Chen on why the complaints are more than just hypersensitivity.
Asian-Americans Reject ‘Good’ News in Pew Report
Joie Chen
June 26, 2012
While it is a relief it is not getting higher, hypersensitivity to inflation shouldn't stop that number from getting lower.
Don't Crucify Mankind Upon a Cross of 2% Inflation
Noah Kristula-Green
March 9, 2012
Moongirls only become mean girls to disguise their hypersensitivity.
What the Stars Hold for Your Week, June 26-July 2, 2011
Starsky + Cox
June 26, 2011

British Dictionary definitions for hypersensitivity

hypersensitive

adjective

having unduly vulnerable feelings

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

Derived Formshypersensitiveness or hypersensitivity, noun

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

Word Origin and History for hypersensitivity

hypersensitive

adj.

1827, a hybrid from hyper- + sensitive. Related: Hypersensitivity.

hypersensitivity in Medicine

hypersensitive

[hī′pər-sĕn′sĭ-tĭv]

adj.

Responding excessively to the stimulus of a foreign agent, such as an allergen; abnormally sensitive.

Related formshy′per•sen′si•tive•ness null n.

hypersensitivity in Culture

hypersensitivity

An excessive or abnormal sensitivity to a substance. A person who is hypersensitive to a certain drug will often suffer a severe allergic reaction (see allergy) if given the drug.