frantic

fran·tic

adjective \ˈfran-tik\

Definition of FRANTIC

1

a archaic : mentally deranged

b : emotionally out of control <frantic with anger and frustration>

2

: marked by fast and nervous, disordered, or anxiety-driven activity <made a frantic search for the lost child>

— fran·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— fran·tic·ness \-tik-nəs\ noun

Examples of FRANTIC

1. The girl was frantic with fear.
2. They made a frantic search for the missing child.
3. They were making frantic preparations for the party.
4. a frantic attempt to finish on schedule

Origin of FRANTIC

Middle English frenetik, frantik — more at frenetic

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FRANTIC

Synonyms

agitated, delirious, distracted, distrait, distraught, frenzied, hysterical (also hysteric), beside oneself

Antonyms

collected, composed, recollected, self-collected, self-composed, self-possessed, unhysterical

Related Words

alarmed, anxious, disquieted, disturbed, nervous, perturbed, tense, troubled, upset, worried, wrought (up); affrighted, aghast, alarmed, fearful, frightened, horrified, scared, spooked, terrified, terrorized; ballistic, berserk, crazed, demented, deranged, mad, maniacal (also maniac), nuclear; raging, ranting, raving

Near Antonyms

calm, peaceful, placid, self-possessed, serene, tranquil; cool, coolheaded, undisturbed, unperturbed, unshaken, untroubled, unworried

Rhymes with FRANTIC

antic, mantic