Touchy

Adjective: Easily offended or upset; oversensitive. The term 'touchy' describes an individual who is prone to taking offense quickly or reacts with agitation to particular topics or situations. This sensitivity may lead to strained interactions and a tendency for the person to withdraw or react defensively.

Touchy meaning with examples

• After the argument, John became quite touchy, responding sharply to casual comments that he would have ignored otherwise. It was clear that he was still upset and on edge, which made socializing a bit awkward for everyone involved.
• Samantha is so touchy about her weight that even a seemingly harmless joke at a party about diets sent her into a spiral of defensive remarks. Her friends quickly realized it was best to change the subject to avoid upsetting her further.
• The teacher noticed that Ben was particularly touchy about feedback from his peers. Whenever someone suggested changes to his project, he would bristle with annoyance. It made group collaboration difficult, as others were hesitant to offer constructive criticism.
• During discussions about politics, Lisa becomes especially touchy, often taking differing opinions personally and engaging in heated debates. This behavior can alienate her friends, who may avoid conversational topics that could lead to conflict.
• Sarah’s touchy nature means she often misinterprets benign comments as personal attacks. Her friends have learned to tread lightly around certain subjects, opting for gentle conversations to avoid igniting her emotional responses.