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

While there are quite a few Italian places on the main strip that churn customers in and out like an assembly line, Pomodoro, thanks to its small size (just nine tables or so), never feels too hectic. — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, "18 Best Restaurants in Boston," 16 July 2018 Sophomore Height: 6-4 • Weight: 213 Okogie has good size and a great motor, but his offensive instincts can feel a little hectic at times. — Michael Singer, USA TODAY, "2018 NBA mock draft 3.0: Michael Porter Jr. vaults up board; Cavs nab Trae Young," 15 June 2018 Here is a selection of photos and videos that riders posted during as the hectic scene unfolded: #MBTA chaos of trying to bus thousands of people in from Kenmore. — Heather Ciras, BostonGlobe.com, "What the Green Line looked like for commuters this morning," 12 June 2018 Now What: When the hectic holiday schedule becomes too much to bear, book a weekend at Canyon Ranch. — Micaela English, Town & Country, "8 Wellness Retreats To Reset Your Body And Mind," 17 Dec. 2018 Practicing mindfulness and taking time away from your hectic schedule to center your thoughts will reap benefits in the bedroom. — Gigi Engle, SELF, "How to Get Really Comfortable in Your Body for Sex," 8 Dec. 2018 Things will undoubtedly get hectic, so under this lunation, do your best to find a moment of calm. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What November's Leo Horoscope Means for You," 28 Oct. 2018 Though the city is hectic, her office (like her clothes) is tranquil, down a long, lush road off a busy street. — Alex Frank, Vogue, "Woolmark Prize Winner Bodice Is a Handmade Homage to India—And So Much More," 8 Sep. 2018 Given the scope of his projects, the motto is lived on a grand, if hectic, scale. — Alessandra Ilari, Town & Country, "Captain Italia," 7 Aug. 2014

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.