English

Alternative forms

• phrenzy, phrensy (obsolete)

Noun

frenzy ‎(countable and uncountable, plural frenzies)

1. A state of wild activity or panic.

   She went into a cleaning frenzy to prepare for the unexpected guests.

2. A violent agitation of the mind approaching madness; rage.
   • Addison

     All else is towering frenzy and distraction.

   • William Shakespeare, A midsummer Night's Dream, Act 5, scene 1:

     The poet's eye in a fine frenzy rolling.

Derived terms

• feeding frenzy

Related terms

• frantic
• frenetic
• frenzied

Translations

Adjective

frenzy ‎(comparative more frenzy, superlative most frenzy)

1. (obsolete) Mad; frantic.
   • 1678 John Bunyan The Pilgrim's Progress:

     They thought that some frenzy distemper had got into his head.

Verb

frenzy ‎(third-person singular simple present frenzies, present participle frenzying, simple past and past participle frenzied)

1. (uncommon) To render frantic.
   • 1833, James Anthony Froude, Fraser's Magazine - Volume 7, page 456:

     Both goaded on to strife by frenzying hate.

   • 1865, Gerrit Smith, Speeches and Letters of Gerrit Smith, page 14:

     Then there is the absorbing, not to say frenzying, interest, which attends our important elections.

2. (rare) To exhibit a frenzy, such as a feeding frenzy.
   • 2009, Louise Southerden, Surf's Up: The Girl's Guide to Surfing, ISBN 0307491498:

     The fresh smell of salt air, the sound of the crashing swell, the soothing immersion in the water, the sight of dolphins playing and fish frenzying beneath my board.