Frenzies: meaning, definitions and examples

🤪
Add to dictionary

frenzies

 

[ ˈfrɛnziːz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

intense emotion

A frenzy is a state of intense emotional excitement or activity, often characterized by agitated behavior and lack of self-control. It can occur in various situations, such as during celebrations, protests, or in reaction to strong stimuli. Frenzies can be short-lived but can lead to significant consequences if not managed.

Synonyms

agitation, craze, excitement, fury, hysteria

Examples of usage

  • The crowd erupted in a frenzy during the concert.
  • She worked herself into a frenzy trying to meet the deadline.
  • The political rally sent supporters into a frenzy.
  • His anger boiled over into a frenzy of shouting.
Context #2 | Verb

cause excitement

To frenzy means to cause someone to become frantic or to create a state of frenzy. This verb describes the action of pushing someone or a group into a highly agitated or excited state.

Synonyms

agitate, excite, provoke

Examples of usage

  • The news frenzy surrounding the event was overwhelming.
  • The marketing team frenzied the audience with their campaign.
  • She frenzied the crowd by announcing a surprise guest.

Etymology

The word 'frenzy' is derived from the Middle English term 'frenesie,' which means madness or delirium, stemming from the Old French 'frénésie.' Its origins can be traced back to the Latin 'frēnēsis,' which means a mental disorder or the state of being mad. Over time, the word evolved to represent not just madness but also heightened emotional states of excitement or agitation. The term gained popularity in English literature during the late Middle Ages and was often used to describe both mental states and chaotic, uncontrolled outbursts of emotion. In contemporary usage, 'frenzy' captures the essence of extreme emotions, whether they be joy, anger, or excitement, and is a common descriptor in both everyday language and literary contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,069, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.