fever pitch

American  

noun

1. a high degree of excitement, as of a gathering of people.

   The announcement of victory brought the crowd to fever pitch.

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fever pitch British  

noun

1. a state of intense excitement

   things were at fever pitch with the election coming up

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Etymology

Origin of fever pitch

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fever pitch

A.I. fears reach a fever pitch, Kevin Warsh votes to raise rates, and the SEC allows stocks to trade like crypto.

From Slate ● Sep. 19, 2026

The shift to a November offering was made before public discourse on AI safety hit a fever pitch last week, some people familiar with the timing said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

This summer’s safety debate reached a fever pitch in late July.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

Public rhetoric on both sides reached a fever pitch on Monday, but some officials struck a more diplomatic tone on Tuesday with hopes that talks could be resumed.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

Burning up the rural road At a fever pitch, It leaves both horse and wagon Helpless in the ditch.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck