an elderly couple who are unable to control their hyperkinetic grandson
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hyperkinetic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since the prefix hyper- means "above, beyond", hyperkinetic describes motion beyond the usual. The word is usually applied to children, and often describes the condition of almost uncontrollable activity or muscular movements called attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder *(ADHD). Kids with ADHD are usually not just hyperkinetic but also inattentive, forgetful, and flighty. Though they're often treated with drugs, many experts believe there are better ways of dealing with the problem. Lots of people now shorten both *hyperactive and hyperkinetic to simply hyper ("He's been hyper all morning"), but usually don't mean it too seriously.
1888
excitable, flighty, fluttery, high-strung, hyper, hyperactive, jittery, jumpy, nervous, skittish, spasmodic, spooky;
imperturbable, nerveless, unexcitable, unflappable, unshakable;
hot-blooded, mercurial, temperamental, unstable, volatile, volcanic;
anxious, edgy, flibbertigibbety, nervy, tense, uptight;
emotional, emotionalistic, hypersensitive, intense, sensitive, soulful;
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