frantically
Americanadverb
Etymology
Origin of frantically
Explanation
When people act frantically or in an uncontrolled manner, it's best to give them their space. If there's a fire in a building, everyone will be stampeding frantically to the nearest exit. Just try not to get trampled. The word frantically comes from the Middle English frentik meaning "insane, violently mad," which is just what someone behaving frantically acts like. This word can be used to describe any number of actions. Your mother might be frantically pacing the room if you come home well after your curfew, or you might be frantically running to a class if you're late.
Vocabulary lists containing frantically
"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs
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The Crossover
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 26–31
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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.
She frantically phoned hospitals and the police, thinking he was dead.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 4, 2026
Jessica Gonzalez hustles behind her booth at the recent Renegade Craft Fair, frantically ringing up sales, answering questions and packaging her beeswax candles.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026
Others were frantically searching by hand for missing loved ones in the rubble, but also in hospitals and morgues.
From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026
My partner wants to turn off the light and go to sleep, but I'm still frantically typing on my phone.
From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026
Somewhere deep in my brain, I frantically try to “Go to the Pool,” as Dr. Cain would call it.
From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
