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hectic

adjective
hec·​tic | \ ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio) \

Definition of hectic

1 : characterized by activity, excitement, or confusion the hectic days before the holidays
2a medical : of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)
b : having a hectic fever a hectic patient
3 : red, flushed hectic color on her cheeks
Other Words from hectic Synonyms Semantic Crisis Intervention More Example Sentences Learn More about hectic

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Other Words from hectic

hectically \ ˈhek-​ti-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce hectically (audio) \ adverb
hectically busy

Semantic Crisis Intervention

Some people are bothered by changes in a word’s meaning (see: literally), while others have a more relaxed attitude towards semantic drift. For those who feel vexed when a word seems to have suddenly changed its spots, it may be of some comfort to know that words in English do this all the time; crisis is a fine example. Originally, crisis denoted “the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever.” Now it most commonly means “a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention,” yet few people insist that it should be used exclusively in its older meaning. The normality of semantic change can be seen in another word that first appeared in febrile contexts: hectic, which now is primarily used to mean “very busy,” originally referred to a fever that was fluctuating but recurrent.

Examples of hectic in a Sentence

We both had hectic days at work. She maintains a hectic schedule as a journalist and mother.

Recent Examples on the Web

 This displeasure has facilitated a hectic summer of transfer rumours, the latest of which being Dybala's involvement in a player-plus-cash deal that would see Neymar replace him at the Allianz Stadium. — SI.com, "Paulo Dybala Set to Stay at Juventus as Paris Saint-Germain Remain Uninterested in Signing Forward," 21 Aug. 2019 Next up is check-in: Note that cruise terminals can be hectic and crowded, but staff and signage will be on hand to point you in the right direction. — Elissa Garay, Condé Nast Traveler, "A First-Timer's Guide to Cruising," 14 Aug. 2019 There’s an unusual feature in this hectic prep area: litter boxes on every table. — Raisa Bruner, Time, "Opera, Leopard Prints and Lace. Go Inside the Lavish Cat Fashion Show that Puts Felines on Fashion's Front Lines," 8 Aug. 2019 Enjoy a show at the Carroll Arts Center before the hectic fall season arrives! — Judy Morley, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Coming Attractions: Classic Orson Welles movie ‘The Third Man’ to be shown at Arts Center," 7 Aug. 2019 While the long walk up the quiet beach is like drawing in breath, this hectic, supermarket-sized seafood restaurant is a bellow of release. — Stephen Connolly, National Geographic, "Beyond Barcelona: A weekend on Málaga’s magical coast," 6 Aug. 2019 This weekend marked the ninth in a row of increasingly hectic and violent demonstrations. — Washington Post, "Hong Kong protesters hold multiple rallies, paralyzing city neighborhoods ahead of a planned general strike," 4 Aug. 2019 With three kids, getting everything done before bedtime can make some evenings hectic. — Kristi Valentini, Good Housekeeping, "8 Back-to-School Routines to Steal From Fellow Moms," 31 July 2019 Calculating the law change’s actual fiscal impact is complicated because the measure was tucked in as an amendment to the budget at the last minute during a lengthy and hectic legislative process. — Andrew J. Tobias, cleveland.com, "Gov. Mike DeWine blocks stealthy budget change that would helped Hunting Valley, hurt Orange schools," 19 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hectic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of hectic

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for hectic

Middle English etyk, from Anglo-French etique, from Late Latin hecticus, from Greek hektikos habitual, consumptive, from echein to have — more at scheme

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More Definitions for hectic

hectic

adjective
How to pronounce hectic (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of hectic

: very busy and filled with activity

See the full definition for hectic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

hectic

adjective
hec·​tic | \ ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio) \

Kids Definition of hectic

: filled with excitement, activity, or confusion We had a hectic day of shopping.

hectic

adjective
hec·​tic | \ ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio) \

Medical Definition of hectic

1 : of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)
2 : having a hectic fever a hectic patient

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