hectic

adjective

hec·​tic ˈhek-tik 

1

: characterized by activity, excitement, or confusion

a hectic lifestyle

the hectic first few days of the school year

2

a

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

hectically

ˈhek-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

hectically busy

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms of hectic

• excited
• heated
• agitated
• frenzied

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

Flying can be hectic, especially with children. —Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 16 Nov. 2025

The morning after the federal government reopened, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was filled with travelers keeping the hectic pace typical of the world’s busiest airport. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 14 Nov. 2025

Thanksgiving week is one of the most hectic times to find yourself in an airport. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025

The holidays can be a busy and hectic time for everyone and Natural Light has unveiled a way for people to hide out and get a few minutes of peace. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English etyk, from Anglo-French etique, from Late Latin hecticus, from Greek hektikos habitual, consumptive, from echein to have — more at scheme entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing hectic

• has a busy/hectic social life

Rhymes for hectic

• pectic
• smectic
• apoplectic
• dialectic
• cachectic
• eclectic
• eutectic
• symplectic

Kids Definition

hectic

adjective

hec·​tic ˈhek-tik 

1

: being hot and flushed

2

: filled with excitement, activity, or confusion

a hectic day of shopping

hectically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

hectic

adjective

hec·​tic ˈhek-tik 

1

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

2

: having a hectic fever

a hectic patient