Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb idiomatic To make a remark or perform a deed which produces a strong response, especially an emotional response such as anxiety or annoyance, because it calls to mind something which has been a source of concern or embarrassment.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

An allusion to the sharp sensation felt when a dentist or surgeon physically disturbs an exposed nerve.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word touch a nerve.

Examples

    Sorry, no example sentences found.

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.