frenzy

fren-zy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior.

  2. 2.

    A state of violent mental agitation or derangement.

  3. 3.

    An intense period of activity, often frantic in nature.

Forms

plural: frenzies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    feeding frenzy — a period of excited, competitive eating (sharks) or intense activity
  • •
    media frenzy — intense media coverage of a news story
  • •
    work oneself into a frenzy — to become extremely agitated
  • •
    in a frenzy — in a state of uncontrolled excitement

Related words

Antonyms: calm, composure, tranquility
See also: frantic, frenetic, hysteria, mania
Synonyms: craze, furor, fury, hysteria, mania

Etymology

From Old French frenesie, from Medieval Latin phrenesia, from Greek phrenitis ("inflammation of the brain"), from phren ("mind, heart"). Originally referred to a mental derangement caused by brain inflammation.