frantically

American  

[fran-tik-lee] / ˈfræn tɪk li /

Rarely franticly

adverb

1. in a desperate, wild, or frenzied way, out of extreme excitement, pain, fear, etc..

   All this time I was searching frantically in the trash can for my missing keys until, just when I thought all was lost, my finger touched something that jingled.

---

Etymology

Origin of frantically

frantic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Explanation

When people act frantically or in an uncontrolled manner, it's best to give them their space. If there's a fire in a building, everyone will be stampeding frantically to the nearest exit. Just try not to get trampled. The word frantically comes from the Middle English frentik meaning "insane, violently mad," which is just what someone behaving frantically acts like. This word can be used to describe any number of actions. Your mother might be frantically pacing the room if you come home well after your curfew, or you might be frantically running to a class if you're late.

Example Sentences

A zoo frantically looked for an escaped zebra but discovered the animal on the loose was actually a repainted donkey.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

Students frantically flee between the desks and down the stairs; the Bridegroom’s parents argue in a vestibule; the Waitress and Markéta, on different levels, recall that last morning as though in a dream.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Her apprehensive patient hits a breaking point nevertheless, frantically fleeing the exam room while Dana is procedurally required to remain.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

As the disaster unfolded, many families frantically tried to find their pets, or put off evacuating because they didn’t want to leave them behind.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Dodger paced in a tight circle, and Akira turned frantically in her seat to watch as the wildfire roared up through the trees behind them.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• desperately
• excitedly
• madly
• uncontrollably
• wildly