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.
Keeping them leashed up with a comfortable harness may prevent a sudden chase after wildlife, which could in turn lead to a fall, a frantic search, or a wild animal attack. Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 1 July 2025 Back in ‘96 in Vegas, after shots were fired, Knight — bleeding from his scalp — made a frantic U-turn and headed west at a high speed toward Las Vegas Boulevard. Danielle Bacher, People.com, 1 July 2025 In a frantic race against time, struggling actress Anne must juggle chaos—and a high-maintenance dog named Macy, as a series of mishaps threaten her chance at a career-changing audition. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025 These efforts were far more frantic than standard lobbying on Capitol Hill. Amy Schoenfeld Walker, New York Times, 22 June 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 6 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!