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.
A zoo frantically looked for an escaped zebra but discovered the animal on the loose was actually a repainted donkey.
From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026
He reportedly “panicked, frantically calling aides and allies to announce that he had been fired.”
From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026
As the strike loomed, property managers were frantically emailing tenants and looking for volunteers to manage building services.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
"I can categorically tell you there's a lot of people here frantically working to improve everything for the future."
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
They hurriedly untied one of the remaining canoes and set off, frantically searching the river for their lost canoes.
From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple
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.
