hyperkinetic
adjective
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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.
Examples of hyperkinetic in a Sentence
Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Fueled by hyperkinetic camerawork and dialogue that name-checks the celebrities who are not actually dragooned into making cameos, the series promises an under-the-hood look at the sputtering engine of the motion picture industry in the age of streaming.
—Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025
Eisenberg’s performance is terrific, muted and hyperkinetic in all the right ways.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Eisenberg’s performance is terrific, muted and hyperkinetic in all the right ways.
—TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for hyperkinetic
Cite this Entry
“Hyperkinetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperkinetic. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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hyperkinetic
adjective
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