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 hyper–¹

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

Origin of hyper–²

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

Origin of hyper–³

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyper–¹

C20: probably independent use of _hyper-

Origin of hyper–²

from Greek huper over

Related Words

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