frantically

American  

[fran-tik-lee] / ˈfræn tɪk li /

Rarely franticly

adverb

1. in a desperate, wild, or frenzied way, out of extreme excitement, pain, fear, etc..

   All this time I was searching frantically in the trash can for my missing keys until, just when I thought all was lost, my finger touched something that jingled.

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Etymology

Origin of frantically

frantic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

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.

Example Sentences

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

The brooding menace of his sound adds immeasurably to the film’s suspense, especially when Jo and Ben search frantically through deserted London alleyways for their kidnapped son.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

He reportedly “panicked, frantically calling aides and allies to announce that he had been fired.”

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

Uribe frantically monitored the uprising on Feb. 22 through texts, video calls and social media.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Fina points frantically at my glowing phone screen.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

Related Words

• desperately
• excitedly
• madly
• uncontrollably
• wildly