frantic

adjective

fran·​tic ˈfran-tik How to pronounce frantic (audio)
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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cornerback Christian Gray flung his body at a frantic Lemon, forcing a fumble that Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa recovered. Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025 This was frantic from the outset. Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 The two superstars continued to trade moves with one another in a frantic finish. Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 So the frantic pace of decision-making today risks locking in emissions tomorrow; some of Melka’s data center clients are happy to run on gas or even diesel generators and save their sustainability goals for some other time. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frantic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of frantic was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frantic. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

frantic

adjective
fran·​tic ˈfrant-ik How to pronounce frantic (audio)
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 adverb
franticly
-i-klē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on frantic

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