Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

feeding frenzy

American  

noun

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


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of feeding frenzy

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

“It feels like it’s a feeding frenzy off of people’s trauma and suffering.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025

She later slammed the reporting as a "feeding frenzy", but did not deny that a conversation with Mr Biden had taken place.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2024

The media engaged in a feeding frenzy like lions having downed a hapless gazelle.

From Salon • Jul. 17, 2024

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

From "The Wild Robot Protects" by Peter Brown