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Glite Dictionary
overreactive

overreactive

1 6.3
Show too strong feelings or actions for small problems
  • adjective
  • /ˌoʊvərɪˈæktɪv/
translation icon : hiperreactivo
  • It appears that affectionate touching protected at-risk babies from symptoms of an overreactive stress response system.

Examples

  • I'm likely a bit overreactive on this topic, having been held up at gunpoint years ago.

    Blog text (27)

  • Others exhibit high levels of anxiety and may be seen by physicians, psychologists, and social workers as overreactive and overprotective.

    Academic text (2005)

  • I realize just how wrong I was and sometimes wonder if there is someone out there pointing the finger at me, calling me a hypochondriac, overly protective, or hysterical—thinking I'm an overreactive parent.

    Blog text (26)

  • Her overreactive response to the minor criticism surprised everyone in the meeting.

  • The doctor warned that an overreactive immune system could lead to unnecessary allergies.

  • He tends to be overreactive when faced with stressful situations, often panicking over small issues.

Synonyms

oversensitive
vsoverreactive
7 5.6

Easily upset by what others say or do

responds too strongly in many contexts not just to insults or remarks
overdramatic
vsoverreactive
7 4.9

Showing too much feeling about small things

shows excessive intensity without the theatrical performance element
overemotional
vsoverreactive
3 5.0

Showing too much feeling for the situation

is used for any excessive reaction including physical or system responses
hyperemotional
vsoverreactive
1 7.9

Showing very strong feelings that change quickly and seem too much

is broader covering strong responses beyond just emotions
hyperreactive
vsoverreactive
  • Specialized
8.2

Showing a very strong reaction to things like pollen or stress

is a general term for excessive intensity across emotions body or systems
overexcitable
vsoverreactive
6.2

To become easily excited and react strongly to small things

reacts too strongly in many ways not only by excitement

How Reactive

overreactive
1 6.3
reactive
24 4.3
responsive
61 4.0
calm
735 1.0

Surface Forms

overreactive positive

Morphology

overreactive = reactive (transparent) = over + react + ive

The prefix 'over-' clearly indicates an excessive degree of the base word 'reactive'.

Etymology

Overreactive is made from over-, meaning 'too much' (as in overcook or overdo), and react, meaning 'to respond'. So, overreactive describes someone or something that responds 'too strongly' or 'too much' to a situation.