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Frenzies: meaning, definitions and examples

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frenzies

 

[ˈfrɛnziːz ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'frenzy' comes from the Latin 'freneticus', which means 'mad' or 'frantic'.
  • It was first used in English in the 13th century to refer to mental frenzy or madness.
  • The word has evolved to encompass any chaotic or wild emotional state, extending beyond just madness.

Psychology

  • Psychologists often study frenzies as a way to understand group behavior and the influence of emotions on decision-making.
  • The 'mob mentality' is a psychological phenomenon where individuals in a group lose self-control, leading to frenzies.
  • Emotional contagion can lead to frenzies, where one person’s excitement spreads to others, increasing the overall energy of the group.

Pop Culture

  • Frenzies often appear in movies and music videos, depicting characters caught in moments of wild excitement or chaos.
  • Black Friday shopping events frequently lead to shopping frenzies, where people rush for deals, sometimes leading to chaotic scenes.
  • The phrase 'fan frenzy' is used to describe the overwhelming excitement of fans during a concert or sports event.

Literature

  • Frenzies are often depicted in literature to illustrate themes of chaos and loss of control over one’s emotions.
  • Classic works, such as Shakespeare's plays, use frenzies to highlight characters succumbing to passion or madness.
  • Modern novels frequently portray frenzies in relation to consumer culture, showcasing characters driven to excess.

History

  • Historical events like riots or revolutions often begin with a frenzy, driven by collective emotional responses to political situations.
  • The California Gold Rush induced frenzies as thousands rushed to California, driven by dreams of wealth.
  • Carnival celebrations around the world often lead to frenzies of joy, dance, and merriment, showcasing cultural expressions of excitement.

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.