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Hyperactive: meaning, definitions and examples

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hyperactive

 

[ ˌhaɪpərˈæktɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavioral characteristics

Hyperactive describes a state of excessive restlessness or activity. Individuals who are hyperactive may exhibit increased energy levels and impulsivity, often engaging in more physical movements than what is considered typical. This condition can be common in children but can also affect adults. Hyperactivity is often associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), where individuals may find it difficult to concentrate, remain still, or control impulses.

Synonyms

fidgety, impulsive, overactive, restless

Examples of usage

  • The hyperactive child ran circles around the playground.
  • She found it challenging to focus in meetings due to her hyperactive nature.
  • His hyperactive behavior often disrupted the classroom.
  • The doctor recommended activities to help manage her hyperactive tendencies.

Translations

Translations of the word "hyperactive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hiperativo

🇮🇳 अति सक्रिय

🇩🇪 hyperaktiv

🇮🇩 hiperaktif

🇺🇦 гіперактивний

🇵🇱 hiperaktywny

🇯🇵 過活動的 (かかつどうてき)

🇫🇷 hyperactif

🇪🇸 hiperactivo

🇹🇷 hiperaktif

🇰🇷 과잉 행동의 (과잉 행동)

🇸🇦 مفرط النشاط

🇨🇿 hyperaktivní

🇸🇰 hyperaktívny

🇨🇳 过度活跃 (guòdù huóyuè)

🇸🇮 hiperaktiven

🇮🇸 ofuraktífur

🇰🇿 гиперактивті

🇬🇪 ჰიპერაქტიული

🇦🇿 hiperaktiv

🇲🇽 hiperactivo

Etymology

The term 'hyperactive' emerged in the mid-20th century, derived from the prefix 'hyper-' meaning 'over, excessive' and the word 'active' which indicates movement or action. The prefix 'hyper-' comes from the Greek word 'hyper,' meaning 'over' or 'beyond', which indicates a heightening of a state or condition. Initially, the term was primarily used in medical contexts to describe conditions involving excessive energy or movement. It gained prevalence as awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) increased, leading to broader usage in educational and psychological discussions. The recognition of hyperactivity as a behavioral manifestation has led to the term being commonly employed in everyday language, describing both children and adults with high energy levels or impulsive behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,976, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.