Dictionary
touchy
adjective \ˈtə-chē\
: easily hurt or upset by the things that people think or say about you
: likely to cause people to become upset
touch·i·ertouch·i·est
Full Definition of TOUCHY
1
: marked by readiness to take offense on slight provocation <he's a little touchy about his past>
2
a of a body part : acutely sensitive or irritable b of a chemical : highly explosive or inflammable
3
: calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment <a touchy subject>
— touch·i·ly \ˈtə-chə-lē\ adverb
— touch·i·ness \ˈtə-chē-nəs\ noun
See touchy defined for English-language learners
See touchy defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of TOUCHY
1605
Related to TOUCHY
- Synonyms
- huffy, tetchy, thin-skinned, ticklish
- Antonyms
- thick-skinned
TOUCHY Defined for Kids
touchy
adjective \ˈtə-chē\
touch·i·ertouch·i·est
Definition of TOUCHY for Kids
1
: easily hurt or insulted <She's touchy about her weight.>
2
: calling for tact or careful handling <a touchy subject>
Learn More About TOUCHY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: touchy–feelyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: touchwoodAll Words Near: touchy
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up touchy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).