reactivity

noun

re·​ac·​tiv·​i·​ty (ˌ)rē-ˌak-ˈti-və-tē 

: the quality or state of being reactive

emotional reactivity

chemical reactivity

If the brain, responding to psychological stress, stimulates the release of cortisol and cortisol suppresses the reactivity of the immune system, then a dormant viral infection may well flare up, or a new one catch hold.

—Matt Ridley

Abnormal reactivity to light and abnormal pupillary size may be important clues to the presence of cranial injury in the setting of head trauma.

—Bradford J. Shingleton

Examples of reactivity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Join 3 others in the comments View Comments The authors also found a biotype characterized by high emotional reactivity, meaning the brains of participants in this group were more affected by emotional inputs such as their own emotions or people’s facial expressions, Williams said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 20 June 2024

Free Will Animal Training Location: In-home Free Will Animal Training specializes in leash reactivity, aggression and separation anxiety. —Alexandra Maloney, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2024

However, these reactions would only feed the narcissist’s desire for reactivity. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

Plus, the fabric is designed to increase the reactivity of your muscles. —Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing reactivity

• hyper-reactivity

Medical Definition

reactivity

noun

re·​ac·​tiv·​i·​ty (ˌ)rē-ˌak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

plural reactivities

: the quality or state of being reactive

skin reactivity

emotional reactivity