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.

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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 /

noun

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

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hector ² British  

/ ˈhɛktə /

verb

1. to bully or torment

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noun

1. a blustering bully

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.

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Etymology

Origin of Hector

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

Explanation

To hector is to boss around or verbally bully someone. An older brother might hector his little sister until she hands over part of her Halloween candy. When you bombard someone with words, nagging and badgering until you get what you want, you hector. A teacher might feel the need to hector a class that consistently forgets to hand in homework assignments, and a playground bully might hector another child to give him her lunch money. The verb hector comes from the character in Greek mythology — Hector — who rallied the Trojans to keep fighting.

Example Sentences

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

Photos shared by Malaysian football club Johor Darul Ta'zim also showed another three players - Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel Jon Irazabal - back at training.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

Olympic champion Sara Hector warmed up for her women's giant slalom title defence at next month's Winter Olympics by winning the World Cup race on Saturday as US star Mikaela Shiffrin finished third.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

Authorities identified him as Hector Lionel Alfaro, 52.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2026

This was the funeral of Hector, tamer of horses.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• browbeat
• irritate
• nag