frantically

[ fran-tik-lee ]

adverb

1. in a desperate, wild, or frenzied way, out of extreme excitement, pain, fear, etc.:

   All this time I was searching frantically in the trash can for my missing keys until, just when I thought all was lost, my finger touched something that jingled.

Word History and Origins

Origin of frantically¹

frantic ( def ) + -ally ( def )

Example Sentences

In this year's John Lewis advert, the heroine, Sally, is seen frantically doing last-minute shopping for her sister.

From BBC

Thousands of security and emergency services are frantically clearing debris and mud in the search for the dead, taken by what the Spanish government call the second deadliest flood in Europe.

From BBC

When I heard that Trump was going on Joe Rogan, I worried that Rogan would play it safe and down the middle, and not confront Trump about all his lies, his obvious corruption, his fawning praise for authoritarian dictators, and the fact that dozens and hundreds of people who worked closely with him in the first administration are trying to frantically warn the public against re-electing him.

From Salon

Just last week, Biden administration officials frantically sought a 21-day cease-fire in Lebanon, backed by France and others.

From Los Angeles Times

Back at her surveillance point, Sharon carried on frantically communicating with soldiers on the ground.

From BBC

Related Words

• desperately
• excitedly
• madly
• uncontrollably
• wildly