'hyperesthesia' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hyperaisthēsis,' where 'hyper-' meant 'over' and 'aisthēsis' meant 'sensation.'

'hyperaisthēsis' transformed into the French word 'hyperesthésie,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hyperesthesia.'

Initially, it meant 'over-sensation,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.