frantic

adjective fran·tic \ ˈfran-tik \

|Updated on: 5 Jul 2018

Examples: frantic in a Sentence

Definition of frantic

1 a archaic : mentally deranged

b : 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

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frantically

play \ˈfran-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

—

franticness

play \ˈfran-tik-nəs\ noun

See frantic defined for English-language learners

See frantic defined for kids

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 of frantic from the Web

The deal, which still lacks many details, was reached thanks largely to frantic efforts by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is under pressure politically, and Italy’s new anti-immigrant government.

— valentina pop, WSJ, "Europe Shifts Toward Tougher Approach on Immigration," 29 June 2018
But the rest of 2018 will still be frantic as Benchmark prepares to raise its next fund, sources tell Recode.

— theodore schleifer, Recode, "Is there a next act for one of Silicon Valley’s top investors after Uber? Benchmark and Bill Gurley are about to find out.," 25 June 2018
Spain’s showdown with Portugal was expected to be one of the most exciting games of the group stage, and the first half hour of play Friday in Russia was frantic.

— nick schwartz, For The Win, "Should referees have waved off Diego Costa's sensational goal?," 15 June 2018
Get our daily newsletter The days before the offensive saw frantic efforts to avert it.

— The Economist, "The battle begins for Hodeida, Yemen’s lifeline," 14 June 2018
While Reuters last week reported R3 raised another $15 million from financial settlement provider CLS and two other companies, the news came after frantic efforts to raise a much bigger round, according to the former employees.

— jeff john roberts, Fortune, "Blockchain Firm R3 Is Running Out of Money, Sources Say," 7 June 2018
Betty Betty, aware of the bounty on the Black Hood’s, a.k.a. her Dad’s, head, is frantic trying to find him after learning from Cheryl he’s wounded.

— refinery29.com, "Riverdale Season 2, Episode 21 Recap: "Judgment Night"," 10 May 2018
The next call Rosa got from her husband was frantic.

— rafael carranza, azcentral, "Nogales mourns officer killed in line of duty, leaving behind 3 kids and pregnant fiancee," 28 Apr. 2018
Instead, the final two days of the regular season will be a frantic free-for-all to figure who will be left standing when the postseason begins Saturday afternoon.

— tim bontemps, chicagotribune.com, "Final days of NBA's regular season will settle what six months could not," 10 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'frantic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of frantic

Middle English frenetik, frantik — more at frenetic

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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frantic Synonyms

FRANTIC Defined for English Language Learners

frantic

adjective

Definition of frantic for English Language Learners

: feeling or showing a lot of fear and worry
: having a lot of wild and hurried activity

FRANTIC Defined for Kids

frantic

adjective fran·tic \ ˈfran-tik \

Definition of frantic for Students

1 : feeling or showing fear and worry

a frantic search

2 : having wild and hurried activity

They made a frantic attempt to finish.

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frantically

\-ti-kə-lē\ adverb

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See words that rhyme with frantic Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for frantic Spanish Central: Translation of frantic Nglish: Translation of frantic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of frantic for Arabic speakers

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frantic

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Examples of frantic in a Sentence

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FRANTIC Defined for English Language Learners

frantic

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frantically

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