rabid

adjective

ra·​bid ˈra-bəd How to pronounce rabid (audio)
also
ˈrā- How to pronounce rabid (audio)
Synonyms of rabidnext
1
a
: extremely violent : furious
b
: going to extreme lengths in expressing or pursuing a feeling, interest, or opinion
rabid editorials
a rabid supporter
2
: affected with rabies
a rabid dog
rabidity
rə-ˈbi-də-tē How to pronounce rabid (audio)
ra-
rā-
noun
rabidly
ˈra-bəd-lē How to pronounce rabid (audio)
also ˈrā-
adverb
rabidness noun

Examples of rabid in a Sentence

a politician with rabid supporters Her husband is a rabid baseball fan.
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.
The happy couple strolls around town to do normal couple activities (such as a romantic dinner date or appearing on the Kiss Cam at a sporting event), before Pringle Man is destroyed by rabid fans. Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026 Then, in 2022, New York legalized online and mobile sports betting and suddenly, rabid fans like Shane were subject to rampant advertising and alluring promotions. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026 The club shows were a way to work out that tension onstage in front of 250 or so rabid fans each night. Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026 Family, friends, and rabid supporters cheered. Sean Gregory, Time, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rabid

Word History

Etymology

Latin rabidus mad, from rabere

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rabid was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rabid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rabid. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

rabid

adjective
ra·​bid ˈrab-əd How to pronounce rabid (audio)
also ˈrā-bəd
1
: extremely violent : furious
2
: going to extreme lengths (as in interest or opinion)
rabid supporters
3
: affected with rabies
a rabid dog
rabidly adverb

Medical Definition

rabid

adjective
ra·​bid
ˈrab-əd also ˈrā-bəd
: affected with rabies
a rabid dog

More from Merriam-Webster on rabid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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