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

So when you dangle out a random person and falsely accuse them of being a threat, it's a lot easier to whip people into a frenzy.

From Salon

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

The ad, produced by the group Vote Common Good, has thrown conservatives into a frenzy.

From Salon

Related Words

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