feeding frenzy

American  

noun

1. Slang. a ruthless attack on or exploitation of someone especially by the media.

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feeding frenzy British  

noun

1. a phenomenon in which aquatic predators, esp sharks, become so excited when eating that they attack each other

2. a period of intense excitement over or interest in a person or thing

   the media erupt into a feeding frenzy

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Etymology

Origin of feeding frenzy

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

It was a coordinated corporate feeding frenzy.

From MarketWatch

This feeding frenzy, called hyperphagia, drives them farther from their usual range and into neighborhood dumpsters in search of easy meals.

From Los Angeles Times

The result, he says, was a flat-out feeding frenzy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Behind them, the feeding frenzy calmed down, and the other seabirds flew off.

From Literature

Maybe not to mainstream culture, for which the engagement represents the next step in a typical media feeding frenzy that’s been building ever since Meghan and Harry’s courtship went public.

From Salon