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

The bill, which heads to its final vote in August, is sparking fiery debate and frantic pushback among leaders from across the AI industry—even from some companies and AI leaders who had previously called for the sector to be regulated. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 15 July 2024

In a moment, the peaceful scene became frantic as people outside of the store rushed inside. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2024

Rising waters swallowed parts of interstates, turned lazy bayous into rapids, led to dozens of frantic water rescues and claimed at least one life as Hurricane Beryl battered this flood-weary city on Monday. —Scott Dance, Washington Post, 11 July 2024

Once testimony began, jurors were played body camera video that showed the frantic moments that unfolded after the shooting. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 11 July 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