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Showing results for hypersensitive. Search instead for mature hypersensitive.
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.

See Examples For:

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 a hypersensitive anaphylactic reaction triggered by an ingredient in her hot chocolate causing an allergic response.

From BBC Aug. 30, 2024

“I do find it strange since I’m hypersensitive to how others are feeling at any given moment in addition to how I’m feeling at any given moment,” Corazon said.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 16, 2024

She seems hypersensitive to my reaction, and I’m guessing the conversation usually gets shut down long before this point.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan

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