hypersensitive

[ hahy-per-sen-si-tiv ]
/ ˌhaɪ pərˈsɛn sɪ tɪv /

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

OTHER WORDS FROM hypersensitive

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

Example sentences from the Web for hypersensitivity

British Dictionary definitions for hypersensitivity

hypersensitive
/ (ˌhaɪpəˈsɛnsɪtɪv) /

adjective

having unduly vulnerable feelings
abnormally sensitive to an allergen, a drug, or other agent

Derived forms of hypersensitive

hypersensitiveness or hypersensitivity, noun

Medical definitions for hypersensitivity

hypersensitive
[ hī′pər-sĕnsĭ-tĭv ]

adj.

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

Other words from hypersensitive

hy′per•sensi•tive•ness null n.

Cultural definitions for hypersensitivity

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.