Touchy: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is easily upset or offended. This word often implies that the person can be emotionally reactive and is likely to become annoyed by small things.

• Be careful what you say around Jenny; she's really touchy about that subject.
• Today's discussion seemed to make him quite touchy.

Used to describe someone who is easily affected emotionally, either positively or negatively. This word often implies a deeper emotional response to stimuli.

• He's very sensitive, so please be kind with your feedback.
• Her sensitive nature makes her a wonderful friend, though she sometimes takes things to heart.

Describes someone who becomes easily annoyed or angered, often due to external factors like stress or lack of sleep. This word conveys a temporary state of being.

• After working so many hours, she became quite irritable and short-tempered.
• The noise from construction always makes me irritable.

Typically used when someone feels the need to protect themselves from criticism or attack, often resulting in behavior that seems self-justifying or protective.

• He got very defensive when I asked about his project progress.
• There's no need to get defensive; we are just trying to help.

Used when discussing subjects or topics that can easily upset or offend someone.

• Be careful, that topic is touchy for him.
• Discussing religion can be touchy.

Applicable when describing situations or tasks that are complex or difficult to manage.

• Solving this puzzle is tricky.
• Planning the event is tricky with so many variables.

Used to refer to people or topics that react strongly to emotions or can be hurt easily.

• She's very sensitive about her work.
• The issue of pay increases is a sensitive one.

Best used when referring to situations or matters that require careful handling or can easily break.

• This is a delicate situation; we need to handle it with care.
• The negotiations are delicate and require patience.