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.
The prototype, called a Zirka, reached a top speed of 280 miles an hour as its propellers whirred frantically.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
City officials have been frantically preparing for Rachel, building sand berms and fortifying vulnerable areas with sandbags.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 2026
People across Scotland have been frantically scrambling to find the right kind of protective eyewear as the UK prepares for the best view of a solar eclipse in nearly three decades.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
The team had to frantically scour Craigslist for an electrician—who ultimately charged $500 in cash.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
Manners forgotten, she pushed and elbowed her way through the lobby doors and stood on Drury Lane, frantically calling, “Children! Where are you?”
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
