hyperactive etymology

Etymology

Hyperactive is a compound word formed from two Greek roots:

  • hyper- (ὑπερ-) means "over" or "excessive"
  • active (ἀκτίς) means "ray" or "active"

Origin

The term "hyperactive" was first used in 1846 by the German physician Heinrich Hoffmann to describe children who exhibited excessive physical activity. Hoffmann used the term in his satirical children's book "Der Struwwelpeter" (Shock-Headed Peter).

In the early 20th century, the term "hyperactive" was used to describe a variety of conditions, including what is now known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Meaning

The term "hyperactive" is used to describe someone who has an excessive amount of physical or mental activity. Hyperactive individuals may be restless, impulsive, and have difficulty paying attention. Hyperactivity can be a symptom of a variety of underlying conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, and thyroid disorders.

hyperactive relate terms

  • active

    Etymology Middle English activ from Latin activus from agere to do act Meani

  • hyperactive

    Etymology Hyperactive is a compound word formed from two Greek roots hyper ὑπερ

  • hyper

    Etymology The word hyper is derived from the Greek prefix ὑπέρ huper meani

  • corroborate

    Etymology Latin corrobōrāre con together with roborāre to strengthen

  • laconic

    Etymology From Ancient Greek λακωνικός lākōnikós meaning Laconic refe

  • wood

    Etymology and Origin The word wood comes from the Middle English word wude which is

  • laugh

    Etymology The word laugh comes from the Middle English word laghchen which in turn d

  • metaphysics

    Etymology The word metaphysics comes from the Greek words meta after and physikos

  • simile

    Etymology The word simile originates from the Latin word similis meaning like or

  • gasoline

    Etymology The word gasoline is derived from the compound Middle English word gas o li

  • restore

    Etymology Origin Latin restaurare to repair restore Root sta to stand be stab

  • skeptic

    Etymology Latin scēpticus from Greek skeptikos inquiring derived from skeptesth

  • artillery

    Etymology The word artillery is derived from the Old French word artillerie which i