sensitive

/ˈsɛnsətɪv/
adjective
  1. Easily upset, offended, or hurt emotionally.
    • He's a sensitive child who cries when he sees others arguing.
    • Try not to be so sensitive — I was only teasing.
    • She is very sensitive about her height and doesn't like jokes about it.
  2. Able to detect or respond to very small changes, signals, or influences.
    • The camera's sensor is sensitive enough to take clear pictures in dim light.
    • Dogs have a sensitive sense of smell that can detect drugs or explosives.
    • This smoke detector is extremely sensitive and goes off when I cook toast.
  3. Requiring careful handling because it involves secret, personal, or controversial matters.
    • We need to discuss this sensitive topic with respect and privacy.
    • The email contained sensitive information about employee salaries.
    • The company's financial data is sensitive and must be kept secure.
  4. Reacting strongly or painfully to physical touch, light, or substances.
    • After the dental procedure, my tooth was sensitive to cold drinks.
    • People with sensitive eyes may need special glasses for computer work.
    • Her skin is sensitive to the sun, so she always wears sunscreen.
  5. Showing understanding and awareness of others' feelings and needs.
    • He gave a sensitive speech that acknowledged everyone's contributions.
    • The nurse was very sensitive to the patient's fear of needles.
    • A good teacher is sensitive to the different learning styles in the classroom.
noun
  1. A person who is easily affected emotionally or who has psychic abilities.
    • In the movie, the sensitive could sense spirits in the old house.
    • She's a sensitive who picks up on the moods of everyone in the room.
    • The group hired a sensitive to help them communicate with the ghost.