frenzy

Definition

A state of wild activity or panic.

Etymology

From Middle English frensy, frenesie, from Old French frenesie, from Latin phrenesis, from Ancient Greek *φρένησις (*phrénēsis), a later equivalent of φρενῖτις (phrenîtis, “inflammation of the brain”): see frantic and frenetic. Doublet of phrenesis.

Example Sentences

• "international media frenzy"
• "She went into a cleaning frenzy to prepare for the unexpected guests."
• "It is during these frenzies that sharks have been known to bite everything in sight, including other sharks engaged in the same activity."

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