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

As the Norwegian press accused foreign media of “feasting on the chaos,” the start of the Olympics ushered in an outright feeding frenzy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Over the past 30 years, the Beckhams have navigated a media landscape that has morphed from a tabloid feeding frenzy into a social media free-for-all, so the instinct to protect their image is perhaps understandable.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

It was authored by “Anonymous” — and the question of who might have written it set off a feeding frenzy of speculation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

But what causes the black hole’s feeding frenzy to start and later choke off again?

From Science Magazine • Jun. 17, 2024

Jack marveled for a brief moment at her feeding frenzy, then threw himself on the food with even more enthusiasm than the princess was showing.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley