Hector
- Classical Mythology. the eldest son of Priam and husband of Andromache: the greatest Trojan hero in the Trojan War, killed by Achilles.
- (lowercase) a blustering, domineering person; a bully.
- a male given name.
- (lowercase) to treat with insolence; bully; torment: The teacher hectored his students incessantly.
- (lowercase) to act in a blustering, domineering way; be a bully.
Origin of Hector
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words
nagirritatebrowbeatdominatebaitteaseintimidaterideharasstormentheckleplagueswaggerblusterworrybadgerExamples from the Web for hector
Contemporary Examples
Outside, they killed Hector McMillan, a Canadian missionary, before joining the ranks of the fleeing rebels.
“The United States v. Hector Monsegur,” Judge Loretta Preska said.
On Tuesday, it was Hector Pagan, ex-husband of Mob Wives star Renee Graziano.
“Then maybe you should take up laundering yourself, Billy,” says Hector quietly.
One celebrated English author has gone that far already: “Plus another thing, Hector!”
Historical Examples
Hector, the bulwark of Troy, had fallen, and the ruin of the city was at hand.
Old Greek Folk Stories Told AnewJosephine Preston Peabody
If the Devil did not run away with Hector Marot, pray who did?
Micah ClarkeArthur Conan Doyle
Even Hector cut his stick (with Achilles after him) at the siege of Troy.
The Comic Latin GrammarPercival Leigh
She will have but a poor opinion of me, if I do not appear an offended Hector!
The StrollersFrederic S. Isham
Hector Hall interposed, his voice a growl between his teeth.
The Flockmaster of Poison CreekGeorge W. Ogden
hector
- to bully or torment
- a blustering bully
Word Origin
Hector
- classical myth a son of King Priam of Troy, who was killed by Achilles
Word Origin and History for hector
n.
late 14c., "a valiant warrior," 1650s as slang for "a blustering, turbulent, pervicacious, noisy fellow" [Johnson], Heck for short, both in reference to the provocative character of Hektor, Trojan hero, oldest son of Priam and Hecuba, in the "Iliad." It represents Greek hektor, literally "holder, stayer;" an agent noun from ekhein "to have, hold, possess" (see scheme). The word was used mid-1600s in reference to London street gangs. As a proper name it is rare in England but used in Scotland to render Gaelic Eachdonn.
v.
1650s, from Hector (n.), in reference to his encouragement of his fellow Trojans to keep up the fight. Related: Hectored; hectoring.
Hector
In classical mythology, a prince of Troy and the bravest of the Trojan warriors. At the end of the Trojan War (see also Trojan War), Achilles killed Hector and then dragged his body behind a chariot around the walls of Troy.