hectic

[ hek-tik ]

adjective

1. characterized by intense agitation, excitement, confused and rapid movement, etc.:

   The week before the trip was hectic and exhausting.

   Synonyms: chaotic, wild, frenzied, frantic

hectic

/ ˈhɛktɪk /

adjective

1. characterized by extreme activity or excitement
2. associated with, peculiar to, or symptomatic of tuberculosis (esp in the phrases hectic fever, hectic flush )

noun

1. a hectic fever or flush
2. rare.
   a person who is consumptive or who experiences a hectic fever or flush

Derived Forms

• ˈhectically, adverb

Other Words From

• hecti·cal·ly hectic·ly adverb
• hectic·ness noun
• non·hectic adjective
• non·hecti·cal·ly adverb
• un·hectic adjective
• un·hecti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hectic¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin hecticus, from Greek hektikós “habitual, consumptive,” adjective derivative of héxis “possession, state, habit,” equivalent to hech- (base of échein “to have, hold, keep”) + -sis -sis; replacing Middle English etyk, from Middle French

Word History and Origins

Origin of hectic¹

C14: from Late Latin hecticus, from Greek hektikos habitual, from hexis state, from ekhein to have

Example Sentences

Julie King, 78, who has lived in Shelf for 19 years, said the village had been "hectic" with traffic and parking the main problems.

From BBC

Hosting an Olympics and Paralympics, though not as complex or hazardous, nonetheless involves preparing dozens of stadiums and arenas, housing thousands of athletes and coordinating transportation throughout the region for a hectic two months.

From Los Angeles Times

“It can feel transactional, menus can feel overwhelming, product is inconsistent, the wait too long or the handoff too hectic,” he wrote.

From Salon

She says games can be a lifeline for someone with her hectic schedule of touring and performing.

From BBC

In keeping with the Norman Lear house style, loud hectic moments and fits of temper alternated with quiet, reflective, more emotional ones, like “The Honeymooners” but with comments about class and race.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boisterous
• chaotic
• exciting
• frenetic
• frenzied
• heated
• tumultuous
• unsettled