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

Interest in the "missing scientists" reached such a fever pitch that the US House of Representatives Oversight Committee and the FBI announced investigations into the cases.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

The Knicks’ playoff run has been creating major buzz, which should hit a fever pitch during the Finals.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

The evening reached a fever pitch with Springsteen’s induction of Patti Smith, who performed “Because the Night,” her biggest hit, with the Boss, the song’s co-writer, in a memorable duet.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

Worries about market concentration have reached a fever pitch.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

The fanning was at fever pitch now, and here came Imogene Lustbader down the aisle, clutching her music.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck