# hypersensitivity

/ˌhaɪpɝˈsɛnsɪˌtɪvɪˌti/ (US) · /hˌaɪpəsənsɪtˈɪvɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hypersensitivity
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

an extreme or unusual reaction to something that most people would not find annoying. It can also mean a medical condition where your body reacts too strongly to a substance like pollen.

For teachers: an excessive or abnormal reaction to a stimulus, such as a physical allergen or a psychological stressor. Often used in medical contexts to describe allergic responses or in psychological contexts to describe extreme emotional reactivity.

## Examples

- She has a hypersensitivity to loud noises.
- The patient was diagnosed with a hypersensitivity to certain metals, which caused a rash every time he wore a new belt.
- While some critics dismissed the author's hypersensitivity to public opinion as mere paranoia, others argued it was a necessary defense mechanism in an increasingly hostile media landscape.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.