frantically

American  

[fran-tik-lee] / ˈfræn tɪk li /

Rarely franticly

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.

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Etymology

Origin of frantically

frantic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Explanation

When people act frantically or in an uncontrolled manner, it's best to give them their space. If there's a fire in a building, everyone will be stampeding frantically to the nearest exit. Just try not to get trampled. The word frantically comes from the Middle English frentik meaning "insane, violently mad," which is just what someone behaving frantically acts like. This word can be used to describe any number of actions. Your mother might be frantically pacing the room if you come home well after your curfew, or you might be frantically running to a class if you're late.

Example Sentences

As the strike loomed, property managers were frantically emailing tenants and looking for volunteers to manage building services.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Uribe frantically monitored the uprising on Feb. 22 through texts, video calls and social media.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Her apprehensive patient hits a breaking point nevertheless, frantically fleeing the exam room while Dana is procedurally required to remain.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

Steve frantically travelled back from Dublin, but didn't make it.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Papa and the crew worked frantically, sliding across rain-soaked decks and pushing through the whipping winds.

From I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis

Related Words

• desperately
• excitedly
• madly
• uncontrollably
• wildly