hyperactive

adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv 

1

: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity

broadly : more active than is usual or desirable

2

: intricately or elaborately designed or detailed

hyperactive noun

Synonyms

• agitated
• excited
• feverish
• frenzied
• heated
• hectic
• overactive
• overwrought

Examples of hyperactive in a Sentence

the skyrocketing price of oil resulted in a wildly fluctuating, hyperactive stock market

hyperactive children who are in dire need of a guardian with a firm hand

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement Among other things, the survey asked mothers whether their children were restless, hyperactive, impatient, clingy or accident-prone. —Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2024

During the course of an evening’s long-distance flirting, fueled by cocktails and filmed with a constantly mobile, hyperactive camera (Evgenia Alexandrova serves as DP), the three women end up over at the guy across the street’s place. —Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hyperactive

adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv 

: very active especially to an abnormal amount

hyperactivity

-ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē

noun

Medical Definition

hyperactive

1 of 2 adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pə-ˈrak-tiv 

: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity

Scientists suspect in certain genetically susceptible people, the immune cells remain hyperactive long after the infectious agent has been cleared from the body.

—Kathy Fackelmann, Science News

A growing number of parents suspect that the powerful stimulant Ritalin—long prescribed for its paradoxically tranquilizing effect on hyperactive children—has become a convenience for teachers seeking quiet classrooms …

—David Gates. Newsweek

broadly : more active than is usual or desirable

hyperactive

2 of 2 noun

: an individual who is hyperactive