frenzy

[ fren-zee ]

noun

, plural fren·zies.

1. a state of extreme mental agitation or wild excitement:

   There's something big businesses love about working their customers into a frenzy of anticipation.

   Antonyms: calm

2. a burst of agitated, energetic action or activity:

   Athens in the late 1960s was in the midst of a building frenzy.

3. a fit or spell of mental derangement; a paroxysm characteristic of or resulting from a mania:

   He is subject to these frenzies several times a year.

   Synonyms: raving, fury, rage, aberration, lunacy, insanity, madness

   Antonyms: sanity

verb (used with object)

, fren·zied, fren·zy·ing.

1. to drive into a frenzy; make frantic:

   She was frenzied by fear when she smelled the smoke.

frenzy

/ ˈfrɛnzɪ /

noun

1. violent mental derangement
2. wild excitement or agitation; distraction
3. a bout of wild or agitated activity

   a frenzy of preparations

verb

1. tr to make frantic; drive into a frenzy

Other Words From

• fren·zi·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of frenzy¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English frenesie, from Old French, from Late Latin phrenēsis, from Late Greek, for Greek phrenîtis; phrenitis

Word History and Origins

Origin of frenzy¹

C14: from Old French frenesie , from Late Latin phrēnēsis madness, delirium, from Late Greek, ultimately from Greek phrēn mind; compare frenetic

Example Sentences

For “CoComelon‘s” Reese, who has worked on the franchise since 2018 and saw the dealmaking frenzy, the effect of the acquisitions has been stark.

From Los Angeles Times

They were relentless in their physicality, the game turning into a magnificent frenzy.

From BBC

But residents in a large swath of Southern California should refrain from burning wood Friday — the destructive Mountain fire has thrown air pollutants into a frenzy, air quality officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

As with any manager departure, the decision has triggered a frenzy of reaction from the club's supporters.

From BBC

A global buying frenzy for all things Labubu erupted in April when Lisa, a member of the popular K-pop girl group Blackpink, posted a video on Instagram of her hugging a large Labubu plush doll.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burst
• craze
• excitement
• fever
• free-for-all
• furor
• fury
• hysteria
• madness
• mania
• outburst
• passion
• rage
• turmoil