frantic

adjective

fran·​tic ˈfran-tik 

1

: emotionally out of control

2

: marked by fast and nervous, disordered, or anxiety-driven activity

made a frantic search for the lost child

frantic cries for help

3

archaic : mentally unsound

franticness

ˈfran-tik-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• agitated
• delirious
• distracted
• distrait
• distraught
• frenzied
• hysterical
• hysteric

Examples of frantic in a Sentence

The girl was frantic with fear.

They made a frantic search for the missing child.

They were making frantic preparations for the party.

a frantic attempt to finish on schedule

Recent Examples on the Web

Her dance, with disheveled hair, frantic eyes and red vermillion spread across her forehead, was truly chilling. —Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024

As the calendar moves away from the frantic sports equinox, the NBA stands to gain more attention for its early season action with its annual trip to Mexico. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Buckle up for a frantic finish, as Trump and Harris crisscross the country making their final pitch to voters in the key battleground states. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Inspired by King Lear, Armfield’s new novel depicts a city on the brink, slipping from the tight, frantic perspectives of the sisters into a larger understanding of the city itself, which is slowly being flooded by a never-ending rain. —Mikaella Clements & Onjuli Datta, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frenetik, frentik, frantike "temporarily deranged, delirious" — more at frenetic

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

frantic

adjective

fran·​tic ˈfrant-ik 

1

: wildly excited

frantic cries for help

was frantic with fear

2

: marked by wild and hurried activity

a frantic search for the missing child

frantically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

franticly

-i-klē

adverb