hypersensitive

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adjective hy·per·sen·si·tive \ ˌhī-pər-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv \

Definition of hypersensitive

1 :excessively or abnormally sensitive

2 :abnormally susceptible physiologically to a specific agent (such as a drug or antigen)

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hypersensitiveness

noun

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hypersensitivity

play \ˌhī-pər-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē\ noun

See hypersensitive defined for English-language learners

See hypersensitive defined for kids

Examples of hypersensitive in a Sentence

She's hypersensitive about her past.
People who are hypersensitive to the chemical may have violent reactions even to small amounts.

Recent Examples of hypersensitive from the Web

Although small amounts of PPD are commonly found in other cosmetic products, like hair dye, the level found in black henna has been shown to allergenic and hypersensitive reactions, especially in children.

— marci robin, Good Housekeeping, "Little Girl Possibly Scarred for Life After Black Henna Tattoo Causes Chemical Burns," 21 Aug. 2017
In fact, fantastic photo opportunities are something the kingdom values and is hypersensitive about, especially ones that are going to be seen around the world.

— anushay hossain, CNN, "The ugly truth behind Saudi Arabia's love for Melania Trump," 22 May 2017
Most importantly, the new facility’s located on landfill property 30 miles north of the city, far away from the prying eyes of tourists and hypersensitive noses of neighbors populating new suburb developments.

— aaron gilbreath, Longreads, "The Circle of Las Vegas Life Is One Never-Ending Buffet," 19 May 2017
Weissman said that the committee's taking on such legislation is one reason to be hypersensitive to secrecy.

— Bloomberg.com, "GOP Chairman Warns Agencies About Requests for Records," 6 May 2017
Big cities are hypersensitive to what the next guy is doing.

— tyler moss, Condé Nast Traveler, "Why Milktooth Chef Jonathan Brooks Can't Get Enough of Indianapolis," 17 Apr. 2017
Shakespeare being always convinced, in his English way, that the French are hypersensitive and overintellectual.

— adam gopnik, The New Yorker, "Montaigne on Trial," 16 Jan. 2017
In our hypersensitive and litigious society, too many agendas have warped the once-noble idea of hate-crime legislation.

— victor davis hanson, The Mercury News, "Hanson: Hate crime legislation a good idea that went bad," 12 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hypersensitive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of hypersensitive

1871

HYPERSENSITIVE Defined for English Language Learners

hypersensitive

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adjective

Definition of hypersensitive for English Language Learners

: having feelings that are very easily hurt
: very strongly and easily affected or harmed by something (such as a drug)

HYPERSENSITIVE Defined for Kids

hypersensitive

play

adjective hy·per·sen·si·tive \ ˌhī-pər-ˈsen-sə-tiv \

Definition of hypersensitive for Students

:very sensitive

These plants are hypersensitive to cold.

Medical Dictionary

hypersensitive

play

adjective hy·per·sen·si·tive \ ˌhī-pər-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv \

medical Definition of hypersensitive

1 :excessively or abnormally sensitive

2 :abnormally susceptible physiologically to a specific agent (as a drug or antigen)

—

hypersensitiveness

noun

—

hypersensitivity

play \-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ noun plural hypersensities

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Examples of hypersensitive in a Sentence

Recent Examples of hypersensitive from the Web

First Known Use of hypersensitive

HYPERSENSITIVE Defined for English Language Learners

hypersensitive

Definition of hypersensitive for English Language Learners

HYPERSENSITIVE Defined for Kids

hypersensitive

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Medical Dictionary

hypersensitive

medical Definition of hypersensitive

hypersensitiveness

hypersensitivity

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