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
Dominique Fluker, Essence, 28 Mar. 2025
Reddit users mention paying a premium for these low-lift meals, but during hectic holidays sometimes the convenience is worth it.
—Brennan Long, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2025
Many people living in cities have relentlessly busy lives with hectic work schedules which mean that taking time out for a walk in nature is impossible.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The hectic schedule and crazy hours band the thousands who work on the Hill together with a common denominator.
—Lauren Green, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Mar. 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 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hectic
adjective
Medical Definition
hectic
adjective
Share