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

Frantically looking for a game-winner, Atlanta defender Andrew Gutman sent a long-distance wish at goal that was granted in the waning minute of second-half stoppage time.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 6, 2022

Frantically calling rescue groups, he dialed the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 7, 2021

Frantically, they’d Slack the corporate team to try and figure out what to do, but rarely did they ever hear back.

From The Verge • Dec. 17, 2019

Frantically, they send an escape pod straight outward.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

Frantically, Vera climbed upon the bed and the woman caught hold of her.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright

Related Words

• desperately
• excitedly
• madly
• uncontrollably
• wildly