hectic

hec·tic

adj \ˈhek-tik\

Definition of HECTIC

1

: of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)

2

: having a hectic fever

3

: red, flushed

4

: characterized by activity, excitement, or confusion <the hectic days before the holidays>

— hec·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of HECTIC

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

Origin of HECTIC

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to HECTIC

Synonyms: agitated, excited, frenzied, heated, feverish, hyperactive, overactive, overwrought

Related Words: hyperexcited, overexcited; afire, aflutter, aquiver, atingle; anxious, dithery, edgy, het up, high-strung, hyped-up, hyper, jittery, jumpy, nervy, nervous, perturbed, tense, troubled, uneasy, unquiet, upset, uptight, wired

Near Antonyms: calm, collected, composed, cool, coolheaded, placid, serene, tranquil, undisturbed, unperturbed, unshaken, untroubled, unworried

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Rhymes with HECTIC

pectic