Did you know?
Semantic Crisis Intervention
Some people are bothered by changes in a word’s meaning (see: literally), while others have a more relaxed attitude towards semantic drift. For those who feel vexed when a word seems to have suddenly changed its spots, it may be of some comfort to know that words in English do this all the time; crisis is a fine example. Originally, crisis denoted “the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever.” Now it most commonly means “a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention,” yet few people insist that it should be used exclusively in its older meaning. The normality of semantic change can be seen in another word that first appeared in febrile contexts: hectic, which now is primarily used to mean “very busy,” originally referred to a fever that was fluctuating but recurrent.
Examples of hectic in a Sentence
Steve Price, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Having one postseason tournament this season made Cantu’s winter less hectic.
—Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
The hectic newborn period doesn’t last forever (phew).
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025
Delray Beach Starting in south Florida, head north of hectic Miami and Fort Lauderdale for a more community feel in the gorgeous beach burg of Delray Beach, where tangles of sea grape trees line the sand, and the shops and boutiques of lively Atlantic Avenue are steps from the beach.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hectic
Cite this Entry
“Hectic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hectic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hectic
adjective
Medical Definition
hectic
adjective
Share