/ ˈtʌtʃi; NAmE / adjective ( touch·ier , touchi·est )
1.
[ not usually before noun ] touchy (about sth) ( of a person ) easily upset or offended
SYN sensitive :
He's a little touchy about his weight.
2.
[ usually before noun ] ( of a subject ) that may upset or offend people and should therefore be dealt with carefully
SYN delicate , sensitive
► touchi·ness noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: perhaps an alteration of tetchy , influenced by touch .