Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Rabid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🐶
Add to dictionary

rabid

[ˈræbɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

intense emotion

Rabid is used to describe a person or animal that is affected by extreme aggression or madness, often associated with rabies infection. It can also refer to fervent enthusiasm, particularly in a negative sense.

Synonyms

fanatical, frenzied, mad, wild.

Examples of usage

  • He was rabid with anger after the dispute.
  • The rabid fans became a security concern at the concert.
  • She dismissed the rabid arguments against her idea.
Context #2 | Adjective

disease description

Rabid also specifically refers to an animal infected with rabies, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is typically transmitted through bites. In this context, it emphasizes danger and the potential threat to humans.

Synonyms

contagious, infected, virulent.

Examples of usage

  • A rabid dog was spotted in the neighborhood.
  • Rabid animals are a serious health risk.
  • Be careful around any rabid wildlife.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Rabies is a viral infection that is fatal if not treated before symptoms appear; it's traditionally associated with rabid animals, particularly dogs.
  • The disease spreads through the saliva of infected animals, which is why it evokes images of aggression and mania.
  • Vaccination for rabies has been successfully implemented, significantly reducing cases in many parts of the world.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, rabid characters often symbolize uncontrollable passion or fanaticism, exemplified in stories involving obsessed fans.
  • The term is commonly used in sports commentary, describing fans who cheer excessively for their teams, reflecting their enthusiasm.
  • The phrase 'rabid right-wing' or 'rabid left-wing' often arises in political discourse to describe extreme or fervent viewpoints.

Psychology

  • The concept of being 'rabid' can be linked to psychological states where individuals exhibit extreme or irrational behavior due to underlying issues.
  • In psychology, such extreme behaviors may be understood as manifestations of deeper emotional or cognitive disorders.
  • Crowd psychology can make individuals act in a rabid manner, where the collective excitement amplifies personal emotions.

Literature

  • Several authors use 'rabid' to portray characters who are overly zealous, suggesting a lack of rationality.
  • Classic literature often depicts rabid dogs as symbols of disease and madness, reflecting societal fears of uncontrollable elements.
  • The term evokes imagery in poetry and prose, often linked to themes of passion and madness, illustrating extremes of the human condition.

Origin of 'rabid'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'rabid' comes from the Latin 'rabidus', meaning 'mad' or 'furious', which reflects its connection to uncontrolled behavior.
  • The root of the word can be traced back to 'rabere', meaning 'to rage', indicating strong emotion.
  • Its use in English began in the early 17th century, initially depicting disease before evolving to describe intense emotions.

The word 'rabid' originates from the Latin 'rabidus', which means 'mad' or 'furious'. This, in turn, derives from 'rabere', meaning 'to rave', reflecting the intense agitation seen in rabies-affected animals. Historically, rabies has been known since ancient times, described in classical literature as a disease that causes furious madness in afflicted animals. The term evolved over the centuries to encompass not only the disease itself but also its metaphorical use in describing extreme emotional states in humans. The connection between the physical symptoms of rabid animals and the emotional states of humans created a blend of meanings, leading to its modern usage.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,044, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.