hyper-

¹ American  

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 ).

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hyper ² American  

[hahy-per] / ˈhaɪ pər /

adjective

1. overexcited; overstimulated; keyed up.

2. seriously or obsessively concerned; fanatical; rabid.

   She's hyper about noise pollution.

3. hyperactive.

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noun

1. a person who is hyper.

hyper ³ American  

[hahy-per] / ˈhaɪ pər /

noun

Informal.

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

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hyper- ¹ British  

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

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hyper ² British  

/ ˈhaɪpə /

adjective

1. informal overactive; overexcited

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hyper– Scientific  

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

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Etymology

Origin of hyper-¹

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

Origin of hyper¹

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

Origin of hyper¹

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

Example Sentences

With “yes baby,” the song leans heavily into a “hyper pop” sound, which is going around.

From Los Angeles Times

He believes Oracle is on its way to becoming the leading provider of artificial-intelligence infrastructure, with the company growing earnings at “hyper rates” and generating a “waterfall” of robust free cash flow.

From MarketWatch

Guggenheim analysts, however, led by John DiFucci, think the cloud and software company is a “decade stock” that will see growth at a “hyper rate” and cash flows that will “waterfall” over the longer term.

From Barron's

Nichola, who lives in south London, said Year 6 pupil Alistair was bright and capable, especially in maths, but struggled with inflexible thinking, hyper focus and sensory overwhelm.

From BBC

Side effects are rare, but some children get a little more hyper or have more repetitive behaviors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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