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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.

It is understandable that investors are hypersensitive to future risks for Visa.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 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

Dale is hypersensitive to incidents when he suspects he is being mistreated because of being on the spectrum.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 12, 2023

Abelman, unfortunately, was apparently a rather petty person, a man too small to accept a little criticism, a hypersensitive molecule of a human.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

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