hyper

¹ American  

[hahy-per] / ˈhaɪ pər /

adjective

1. overexcited; overstimulated; keyed up.

2. seriously or obsessively concerned; fanatical; rabid.

   She's hyper about noise pollution.

3. hyperactive.

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noun

1. a person who is hyper.

hyper ² American  

[hahy-per] / ˈhaɪ pər /

noun

Informal.

1. a person who promotes or publicizes events, people, etc., especially one who uses flamboyant or questionable methods; promoter; publicist.

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hyper- ³ American  

1. a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “over,” usually implying excess or exaggeration (hyperbole ); on this model used, especially as opposed to hypo-, in the formation of compound words (hyperthyroid ).

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hyper- ¹ British  

prefix

1. above, over, or in excess

   hypercritical

2. (in medicine) denoting an abnormal excess

   hyperacidity

3. indicating that a chemical compound contains a greater than usual amount of an element

   hyperoxide

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hyper ² British  

/ ˈhaɪpə /

adjective

1. informal overactive; overexcited

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hyper– Scientific  

1. A prefix that means “excessive” or “excessively,” especially in medical terms like hypertension and hyperthyroidism.

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Etymology

Origin of hyper¹

First recorded in 1970–75; probably independent use of hyper-

Origin of hyper¹

1910–15, for an earlier sense; hype ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of hyper-¹

Greek, representing hypér over, above; cognate with Latin super ( super- ); akin to over

Example Sentences

Nichola, who lives in south London, said Year 6 pupil Alistair was bright and capable, especially in maths, but struggled with inflexible thinking, hyper focus and sensory overwhelm.

From BBC

Side effects are rare, but some children get a little more hyper or have more repetitive behaviors.

From The Wall Street Journal

"There is a buoyant car culture in London - a street culture, a classic culture, a super car, hyper car culture, it's all there... I just think the concept of the automotive is considered dirty."

From BBC

"He isn't hyper and too excitable or in your face, but he's one of those guys who oozes confidence without trying," Coldwell said.

From BBC

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, Mc McGrath said his son's mood could change greatly from "hyper" to "very emotional".

From BBC

Related Words

• aggressive
• alive
• bold
• busy
• determined
• diligent
• dynamic
• eager
• energetic
• engaged
• enthusiastic
• forceful
• intense
• keen
• lively
• quick
• ready
• resolute