jumpy

UK: ˈdʒʌmpi | US: ˈdʒʌmpi

Definition

  1. adj. nervous or anxious, easily startled

  2. adj. characterized by sudden jerky movements

Structure
jump <to move suddenly>y <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "jumpy" combines the verb "jump," derived from Middle English jumpen (meaning "to move suddenly"), with the adjectival suffix "-y," which indicates a quality or tendency. The term originally described physical sudden movements (e.g., a "jumpy" horse) but evolved metaphorically to describe nervousness or unpredictability in behavior. The logic mirrors how sudden movements reflect unease or reactivity.

Examples

  1. The loud noise made the cat jumpy.

  2. She felt jumpy before her presentation.

  3. The old elevator was jumpy and unreliable.

  4. His jumpy behavior raised suspicions.

  5. The film’s suspenseful scenes left audiences jumpy.