Hector

[ hek-ter ]

/ ˈhɛk tər /

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noun

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.

verb (used with object)

(lowercase) to treat with insolence; bully; torment: The teacher hectored his students incessantly.

verb (used without object)

(lowercase) to act in a blustering, domineering way; be a bully.

OTHER WORDS FOR Hector

4 torture, persecute; badger, harass.

See synonyms for Hector on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.

Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

true

false

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Origin of Hector

<Latin <Greek Héktōr, special use of adj. héktōr holding fast

Words nearby Hector

hectograph, hectoliter, hectolitre, hectometer, hectometre, Hector, hectostere, Hecuba, he'd, Hedda Gabler, heddle

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use Hector in a sentence

There was one card signed "Hector," but I don't know anyone named Hector!
Hints From Heloise: Pop-up ads anger reader|Heloise Heloise|May 31, 2021|Washington Post
Outside, they killed Hector McMillan, a Canadian missionary, before joining the ranks of the fleeing rebels.
‘Argo’ in the Congo: The Ghosts of the Stanleyville Hostage Crisis|Nina Strochlic|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“The United States v. Hector Monsegur,” Judge Loretta Preska said.
How Sabu the Hacker Rat Manipulated a Good-Hearted Judge|Michael Daly|May 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On Tuesday, it was Hector Pagan, ex-husband of Mob Wives star Renee Graziano.
'Mob Wives’ Courtroom Drama Exposes Rat, But Protects Jury|Michael Daly|March 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST

“Then maybe you should take up laundering yourself, Billy,” says Hector quietly.
Britain’s KGB Sugar Daddy|Michael Weiss|March 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One celebrated English author has gone that far already: “Plus another thing, Hector!”
Britain’s KGB Sugar Daddy|Michael Weiss|March 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He guessed that the request was connected with Hector Caron's death; and, of course, gave his consent.
Mrs. Falchion, Complete|Gilbert Parker
Justine tried hard for composure, and answered gently: "I loved my brother Hector."
Mrs. Falchion, Complete|Gilbert Parker
For Hector ran away from a single man; this hero was never known to run away at all.
It Is Never Too Late to Mend|Charles Reade
Major Hector Munro took command of the British army, and found it in a mutinous condition; desertions to the enemy were frequent.
The Political History of England - Vol. X.|William Hunt
And then, dear Hector, if you only knew how some people's tempers have altered since you went away!
Autobiographical Reminiscences with Family Letters and Notes on Music|Charles Gounod

British Dictionary definitions for Hector (1 of 2)

hector

/ (ˈhɛktə) /

verb

to bully or torment

noun

a blustering bully

Word Origin for hector

C17: after Hector (the son of Priam), in the sense: a bully

British Dictionary definitions for Hector (2 of 2)

Hector

/ (ˈhɛktə) /

noun

classical myth a son of King Priam of Troy, who was killed by Achilles

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for Hector

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.