hyperactive

adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv 

1

: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity

broadly : more active than is usual or desirable

2

: intricately or elaborately designed or detailed

hyperactive noun

Synonyms

• agitated
• excited
• feverish
• frenzied
• heated
• hectic
• overactive
• overwrought

Examples of hyperactive in a Sentence

the skyrocketing price of oil resulted in a wildly fluctuating, hyperactive stock market

hyperactive children who are in dire need of a guardian with a firm hand

Recent Examples on the Web

Soon enough, the school's overrun with hyperactive kiddos bouncing off the walls, and the teachers have to devise a plan to burn off this sugar buzz while tracking down the sticky-fingered culprit running loose in their halls. —Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

This is particularly true of females with the disorder, whose behavior as children tends to be more inattentive than hyperactive like the stereotypical boy with ADHD. —Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024

But this season – which is expected to be hyperactive – got off to a historic start when Beryl exploded into a ferocious Category 5 hurricane in early July. —Mary Gilbert, CNN, 26 July 2024

The year started with dire predictions of a hyperactive season, quickly followed by the explosive and record-breaking landfall of Beryl in early July. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hyperactive

adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv 

: very active especially to an abnormal amount

hyperactivity

-ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē

noun

Medical Definition

hyperactive

1 of 2 adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pə-ˈrak-tiv 

: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity

Scientists suspect in certain genetically susceptible people, the immune cells remain hyperactive long after the infectious agent has been cleared from the body.

—Kathy Fackelmann, Science News

A growing number of parents suspect that the powerful stimulant Ritalin—long prescribed for its paradoxically tranquilizing effect on hyperactive children—has become a convenience for teachers seeking quiet classrooms …

—David Gates. Newsweek

broadly : more active than is usual or desirable

hyperactive

2 of 2 noun

: an individual who is hyperactive