Touchy

/ˈtʌt͡ʃi/ · adjective

Meaning

(of a situation) Extremely sensitive or volatile; easily disturbed to the point of becoming unstable; requiring caution or tactfulness..

Definitions by Sense

1. (of a situation) Extremely sensitive or volatile; easily disturbed to the point of becoming unstable; requiring caution or tactfulness.
2. (of a person) Easily offended, oversensitive.
3. (informal) Inclined to engage in physical touch.

Example Sentences

It is an extremely touchy situation, with everybody's patience wearing thin.

Eminent Americans are to be invited to direct by will their interment there; and in the case of Americans not so eminent as to be invited, but who have nevertheless expressed a wish to join the others, a committee will decide. It seems a touchy business all along...

He can be very touchy when you talk about his estranged son, so be as tactful as possible.

I can assure you, Mr Hosier, that other people are much more touchy about my blindness than I am.

Ashley: Look at the size of that ship! Kaidan: The Ascension. Flagship of the Citadel fleet. Joker: Well, size isn't everything. Ashley: Why so touchy, Joker? Joker: I'm just saying you need firepower, too.

Synonyms for touchy

Antonyms for touchy

Related Words

Word Forms

• touchier
• touchiest

Usage Notes

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