hyper

¹

[hahy-per]

adjective

1. overexcited; overstimulated; keyed up.

2. seriously or obsessively concerned; fanatical; rabid.

   She's hyper about noise pollution.

3. hyperactive.

noun

1. a person who is hyper.

hyper

²

[hahy-per]

noun

Informal.

1. a person who promotes or publicizes events, people, etc., especially one who uses flamboyant or questionable methods; promoter; publicist.

hyper-

³

1. a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “over,” usually implying excess or exaggeration (hyperbole ); on this model used, especially as opposed to hypo-, in the formation of compound words (hyperthyroid ).

hyper

¹

/ ˈhaɪpə /

adjective

1. informal,  overactive; overexcited

hyper-

²

prefix

1. above, over, or in excess

   hypercritical

2. (in medicine) denoting an abnormal excess

   hyperacidity

3. indicating that a chemical compound contains a greater than usual amount of an element

   hyperoxide

hyper–

1. A prefix that means “excessive” or “excessively,” especially in medical terms like hypertension and hyperthyroidism.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyper¹

First recorded in 1970–75; probably independent use of hyper-

Origin of hyper²

1910–15, for an earlier sense; hype ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of hyper³

Greek, representing hypér over, above; cognate with Latin super ( super- ); akin to over

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyper¹

C20: probably independent use of _hyper-

Origin of hyper²

from Greek huper over

Example Sentences

"He isn't hyper and too excitable or in your face, but he's one of those guys who oozes confidence without trying," Coldwell said.

From BBC

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, Mc McGrath said his son's mood could change greatly from "hyper" to "very emotional".

From BBC

Mr Boelter was wearing a "hyper realistic silicon mask" when he rang the doorbell and shouted "this is the police, open the door".

From BBC

Arguing that performers, like everyone else, are a product of their times, Shergill says these impulses are "a response to the hyper capitalist world".

From BBC

A perfectly executed send-up of the loud, hyper, over-the-top TV ads that have driven generations of kiddos to beg their parents to purchase hunks of plastic shaped like muscular heroes and ferocious monsters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aggressive 
• alive 
• bold 
• busy 
• determined 
• diligent 
• dynamic 
• eager 
• energetic 
• engaged 
• enthusiastic 
• forceful 
• intense 
• keen 
• lively 
• quick 
• ready 
• resolute