hectic

adjective

hec·tic | \ ˈhek-tik

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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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

Making matters even more hectic, the European Union is holding a summit Oct. 17 and 18, at which the leaders are to consider what to do about Brexit. — Megan Specia, BostonGlobe.com, "Brexit confusion: What is going on in Great Britain?," 4 Sep. 2019 One more oversight: During the hectic initial planning, Meyer, the commander of the riverine task force, believed that a Navy ship or plane would be assigned to keep a close eye on the boats in case anything went wrong. — Megan Rose, ProPublica, "Trump Keeps Talking About the Last Military Standoff With Iran — Here’s What Really Happened," 24 June 2019 Unpredictable work schedules Americans’ work lives are increasingly unpredictable and hectic. — Joslyn Brenton, The Conversation, "Time to cook is a luxury many families don’t have," 19 June 2019 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

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.