Hector

American  

[hek-ter] / ˈhɛk tər /

noun

1. Classical Mythology. the eldest son of Priam and husband of Andromache: the greatest Trojan hero in the Trojan War, killed by Achilles.

2. (lowercase) a blustering, domineering person; a bully.

3. a male given name.

---

verb (used with object)

1. (lowercase) to treat with insolence; bully; torment.

   The teacher hectored his students incessantly.

   Synonyms:

   harass, badger, persecute, torture

verb (used without object)

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

hector ¹ British  

/ ˈhɛktə /

verb

1. to bully or torment

---

noun

1. a blustering bully

Hector ² British  

/ ˈhɛktə /

noun

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

---

Hector Cultural  

1. 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.

---

Etymology

Origin of Hector

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

Example Sentences

The first trial in 2003 saw Hector Dick give evidence against Fraser.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Hector and Stjernesund, stunningly, posted identical times in both of their runs — 1:03.97 in Run 1 and 1:10.15 in Run 2.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

The 35-year-old finished 0.62sec ahead of joint silver medallists Sara Hector of Sweden and Norway's Thea Louise Stjernesund to become Olympic and world champion in her favoured discipline.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

According to Hector Caruncho, professor of medical sciences at UVic and corresponding author of the study, therapies based on Reelin may offer a new way to address both gut and brain health.

From Science Daily • Feb. 2, 2026

Hector walks over to a door mostly hidden by a long, standing mirror.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• browbeat
• irritate
• nag