What does hypersensitive mean?
Hypersensitive describes someone or something that reacts with exceptional intensity to criticism, emotions, physical sensations, or other stimuli. In its most common figurative use, it characterizes a person who is unusually easily hurt or offended, especially by remarks that others may regard as ordinary or harmless. The word can suggest excessive emotional defensiveness, although it may also be used more neutrally when an amplified response is genuinely observable. Hypersensitive can apply to physical reactions as well: for example, skin described as hypersensitive may react strongly to touch, temperature, or fabric. The word differs from sensitive because it implies a degree well beyond what is normally expected. It should not be used as a medical diagnosis, and its application to a person can sound critical, so precise descriptions are preferable when a specific condition is known.
adjectiveExtremely sensitive, especially unusually easily affected by criticism, stress, physical sensations, or other stimuli.
- Unusually easily affected by criticism, emotional distress, or other personal interactions.
- Unusually responsive to physical stimuli or small changes in the environment.
"After the misunderstanding, he became hypersensitive to any criticism of his work."
"The negotiations were delayed because both sides had become hypersensitive to minor insults."
"Her hypersensitive skin reacted painfully to even lightweight clothing."
Hypersensitive means amplified to an unusual degree: the reaction is not merely strong, but greater than the situation may reasonably call for.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hypersensitive come from?
Hypersensitive combines the prefix hyper-, meaning “over” or “excessively,” with sensitive, which ultimately derives from Latin sensitivus, meaning “perceptive” or “sensitive,” from sensus, “sense” or “feeling.” The prefixed form developed as a way of describing excessive sensitivity to impressions, emotions, or stimuli. Its relatives include sensitivity, sensory, and sensitization, all of which continue the Latin root associated with the senses.
Related word forms
How hypersensitive is actually used
The term is often used figuratively for emotional defensiveness and may carry a critical or dismissive tone. It can also describe an unusually strong physiological response, though in medical contexts precise conditions are generally preferred.
Easily confused with hypersensitive
Sensitive describes ordinary ease of feeling or noticing, whereas hypersensitive suggests an unusually extreme or excessive response.
Oversensitive and hypersensitive are close in meaning, but oversensitive more explicitly suggests excessive sensitivity, while hypersensitive can also imply an unusually strong physical or emotional response.