Hypersensitive: meaning, definitions and examples

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hypersensitive

 

[ haɪpərˈsɛnsɪtɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

emotionally sensitive

Hypersensitive describes a state of excessive emotional sensitivity where an individual reacts more intensely to stimuli, both physical and emotional, than what is considered normal. It can manifest as heightened reactions to criticism, conflict, or even benign situations that wouldn’t affect others similarly. In some cases, it is associated with certain psychological conditions.

Synonyms

extremely sensitive, hypersensitized, overly sensitive

Examples of usage

  • She is hypersensitive to criticism, often taking compliments the wrong way.
  • His hypersensitive nature made it difficult for him to handle stress at work.
  • Children may become hypersensitive after experiencing trauma or significant life changes.
Context #2 | Adjective

physically sensitive

In a physical context, hypersensitive can refer to an exaggerated reaction to physical stimuli, such as pain or allergies. This means that a person may feel discomfort or pain from stimuli that would not provoke such a response in most people.

Synonyms

extra sensitive, overreactive

Examples of usage

  • She has hypersensitive skin that reacts to most skincare products.
  • People with hypersensitive allergies must avoid certain foods or environments.
  • His hypersensitive nerves make him prone to chronic pain.

Translations

Translations of the word "hypersensitive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hipersensível

🇮🇳 अति संवेदनशील

🇩🇪 hypersensibel

🇮🇩 hipersensitif

🇺🇦 гіперчутливий

🇵🇱 hipersensywny

🇯🇵 過敏性の

🇫🇷 hypersensible

🇪🇸 hipersensible

🇹🇷 hipersensitif

🇰🇷 과민한

🇸🇦 فرط الحساسية

🇨🇿 hypersenzitivní

🇸🇰 hypersenzitívny

🇨🇳 过敏的

🇸🇮 hipersenzitivni

🇮🇸 ofurmætur

🇰🇿 гиперсезімтал

🇬🇪 ჰიპერსენსიტიური

🇦🇿 hipersensitiv

🇲🇽 hipersensible

Word origin

The term 'hypersensitive' is derived from the prefix 'hyper-', which comes from the Greek word 'hyper', meaning 'over' or 'beyond', combined with 'sensitive', which is from the Latin 'sensitivus', meaning 'capable of feeling or perceiving'. 'Sensitive' first entered the English language in the 1600s to describe someone who is receptive to emotional stimulus. The combination into 'hypersensitive' likely developed in the mid-20th century as psychology began to explore the range of emotional responses in humans, emphasizing those who react more strongly than what is typically expected. Recognizing hypersensitivity can be crucial in mental health discussions, as it influences how individuals perceive and interact with their environment.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,512, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.