Hector

American  

[hek-ter] / ˈhɛk tər /

noun

1. Classical Mythology. the eldest son of Priam and husband of Andromache: the greatest Trojan hero in the Trojan War, killed by Achilles.

2. (lowercase) a blustering, domineering person; a bully.

3. a male given name.

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verb (used with object)

1. (lowercase) to treat with insolence; bully; torment.

   The teacher hectored his students incessantly.

   Synonyms:

   harass, badger, persecute, torture

verb (used without object)

1. (lowercase) to act in a blustering, domineering way; be a bully.

hector ¹ British  

/ ˈhɛktə /

verb

1. to bully or torment

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noun

1. a blustering bully

Hector ² British  

/ ˈhɛktə /

noun

1. classical myth a son of King Priam of Troy, who was killed by Achilles

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Hector Cultural  

1. In classical mythology, a prince of Troy and the bravest of the Trojan warriors. At the end of the Trojan War (see also Trojan War), Achilles killed Hector and then dragged his body behind a chariot around the walls of Troy.

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Etymology

Origin of Hector

< Latin < Greek Héktōr, special use of adj. héktōr holding fast

Example Sentences

He went on to record hit records with Puerto Rican singer Hector Lavoe in the 1960s and 1970s.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

Former Assembly member Hector de la Torre said he’s not surprised by what’s happening in a place like Downey.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

According to Hector Caruncho, professor of medical sciences at UVic and corresponding author of the study, therapies based on Reelin may offer a new way to address both gut and brain health.

From Science Daily • Feb. 2, 2026

Photos shared by Malaysian football club Johor Darul Ta'zim also showed another three players - Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel Jon Irazabal - back at training.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

Hector asks him, drawing curious stares from the nearby patrons.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• browbeat
• irritate
• nag