Hector

[ hek-ter ]

/ ˈhɛk tər /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for Hector on Thesaurus.com

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 "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Hector

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

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

How to use Hector in a sentence

They thanked him profusely for his public service, apologized for Republican hectoring, and complained about decorum.
House Republicans Take on John Koskinen: Scenes From an IRS Sideshow|Tim Mak|June 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You can't imagine those words being spoken by the hectoring Belfort.
The Real Wolf of Wall Street: Jordan Belfort’s Vulgar Memoirs|Jimmy So|December 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Democrats' didn't get the allegiance of women by hectoring them, by saying take off that apron, GOP housewives, and join us.
Los Republicanos|Michael Tomasky|November 8, 2012|DAILY BEAST
McCain's debates were strings of tired GOP talking points, delivered in rather hectoring tone of voice.
The Professor and the Consultant|Megan McArdle|October 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Do Not Ask What Good We Do accomplishes in 300 pages what 300 hours of hectoring cable news hosts cannot.
Robert Draper Talks New Book Inside the Tea Party House|Claiborne Smith|April 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Such a person is usually hectoring towards his inferiors and servile to those above him.
The Great Mogul|Louis Tracy
I choose between a man of courtesy and a silly, hectoring boy.
Lochinvar|S. R. Crockett
But there was that in the hectoring tone of Gilbert Scarlett which he did not like.
The Young Continentals at Bunker Hill|John T. McIntyre
He had been sternly prohibited from "hectoring" the little maid, and the prohibition sat heavily upon him.
The Brass Bound Box|Evelyn Raymond
He hath a loud and hectoring voice; he assumes, to suit his own purposes, the possession of learning and piety.
The Lady of Lynn|Walter Besant

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.