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• hyper
  hyper

  adjective

  overexcited; overstimulated; keyed up.
• hyper-
  hyper-

  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 ).
• hyper–
  hyper–

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

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  

/ ˈhaɪpə /

adjective

1. informal overactive; overexcited

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hyper- ² 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– 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 hyper²

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

Origin of hyper-³

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

Explanation

Someone who's hyper is overly excited or energetic. If coffee and tea make you feel a little hyper, you might try switching to decaf! Hyper is a shortened form of hyperactive, a behavior that includes restlessness and sometimes inappropriate amounts of movement. It's part of an official diagnosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. But hyper also describes any excessive activity or feeling or excitability: "I want one of these sleepy kittens, not those hyper ones climbing the curtains." The Greek root of hyper means "too much," and when someone is hyper, they really are too much!

Example Sentences

After abandoning the Americana of their first few albums for something more personal, Rose has explored the many facets of pop, whether indie-, hyper- or otherwise.

From Washington Post • Apr. 12, 2023

If either the hypo- or hyper- condition goes to excess, the cell’s functions become compromised, and the cell may be destroyed.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Funny, nobody sought to ban swimmer Michael Phelps for his naturally occurring hyper- and double-extended joints, longer-than-average torso and wingspan, or powerful lung capacity.

From New York Times • Jul. 23, 2021

"This is not the stuff of hyper- or even double-digit inflation, but it is draining and seemingly one thing after another," he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2014

Words beginning with hyper- seem nowadays always to have a long y except that one sometimes hears 'hy̆perbole' and 'hy̆perbolical'.

From Society for Pure English Tract 4 The Pronunciation of English Words Derived from the Latin by Sargeaunt, John

Related Words

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