Hector: meaning, definitions and examples

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hector

 

[ ˈhɛktər ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

mythology

Hector is a central character in Greek mythology, known as a prince of Troy and a heroic warrior in the Trojan War. He is celebrated for his courage, nobility, and honor in battle. As the eldest son of King Priam, Hector stood as a defender of his city against the invading Greek forces. His encounter with Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior, is one of the most famous events in the 'Iliad'. Hector's legacy is that of a tragic hero, embodying the struggle between duty to his family and the demands of war.

Synonyms

defender, hero, warrior

Examples of usage

  • Hector fought bravely for the city of Troy.
  • In the 'Iliad', Hector faces Achilles in a fated duel.
  • Hector's fate is sealed as he confronts the greatest of the Greeks.
Context #2 | Verb

intimidate

To 'hector' someone means to intimidate or bully them, often through persistent verbal attacks or aggressive behavior. This verb originates from the traits associated with Hector from mythology, as he was often seen as a fierce and dominating warrior. In modern usage, it reflects the exertion of power over another, causing them to feel afraid or pressured. Hectoring can occur in various social contexts, including in schools and workplaces.

Synonyms

bully, harass, intimidate

Examples of usage

  • He began to hector his classmates into following him.
  • The manager's constant hectoring drove morale down.
  • She felt he was hectoring her into making a decision.

Translations

Translations of the word "hector" in other languages:

🇵🇹 Hector

🇮🇳 हेक्टर

🇩🇪 Hektor

🇮🇩 Hektor

🇺🇦 Гектор

🇵🇱 Hektor

🇯🇵 ヘクター

🇫🇷 Hector

🇪🇸 Héctor

🇹🇷 Hector

🇰🇷 헥터

🇸🇦 هيكتور

🇨🇿 Hektor

🇸🇰 Hektor

🇨🇳 赫克托

🇸🇮 Hektor

🇮🇸 Hektor

🇰🇿 Гектор

🇬🇪 ჰექტორი

🇦🇿 Hektor

🇲🇽 Héctor

Etymology

The name Hector derives from the Latin 'Hector', which in turn comes from the Greek 'Hektor'. The Greek roots can be traced back to the verb 'hektorein', meaning 'to hold or to restrain'. In the context of mythology, Hector is depicted as a strong protagonist shaping the narrative of the Trojan War. The word has evolved over time; while it continues to represent the mythical figure, it has also acquired a more modern, albeit negative, connotation as a verb meaning to intimidate or bully someone. This duality highlights the contrasting nature of Hector as both a noble figure in myth and a character exemplifying aggressive behavior in contemporary language.