high-strung

[ hahy-struhng ]

adjective

1. at great tension; highly excitable or nervous; edgy:

   high-strung nerves; a high-strung person.

   Synonyms: uptight, jittery, edgy, jumpy, temperamental, tense

Word History and Origins

Origin of high-strung¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

In “Risky Business,” he was the high-strung pop of Cruise’s sneaky Joel Goodsen.

From Los Angeles Times

“Who shall say how far the high-strung, nervous, active temperament of the American people is due to the noise with which they choose to surround their daily lives?” the author asked.

From Salon

Always high-strung, he was prone to mysterious fainting spells and periods of nervous exhaustion, which led some to question his dedication.

From Los Angeles Times

Crack, she said, left him "agitated or high-strung, but at other times, functioning as well".

From BBC

Samir plucked two lentils from his mustache, examined them, and said, “I think so, too. He’s very high-strung.”

From Literature

Related Words

• excitable
• restless