Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Frenzies Meaning: Definition and Examples

🤪
Add to dictionary

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

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.

Origin of 'frenzies'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

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.