Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈfræntɪk/

Definitions

• Frantic: Feeling or showing a lot of fear and worry, often in a wild or uncontrollable manner.
• Frantic: Done in a hurried, disorganized, or frenzied way due to stress or anxiety.
• Frantic: A situation or behavior characterized by intense emotion, often linked to panic or desperation.

Usage Examples

• "She made a frantic attempt to find her lost phone before the meeting started."
• "The frantic pace of the emergency room made it difficult to keep up with all the patients."
• "They were frantic to finish the project before the deadline."

Etymology

The word "frantic" comes from the Latin word "phreneticus," meaning "frenzied" or "insane." It was first used in the early 17th century and is derived from the Greek word "phrenitis," which refers to a condition characterized by delirium or madness.

Synonyms

• Frenzied
• Panic-stricken
• Wild
• Agitated
• Desperate
• Hectic

Antonyms

• Calm
• Relaxed
• Composed
• Tranquil
• Serene

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation may vary slightly depending on regional accents. In North American English, the "a" sound is often pronounced as a short vowel sound, while in British English, it may be elongated slightly.

Historical Usage

The word "frantic" has been used since the 17th century to describe behavior that is wild, disordered, or driven by intense emotion. It was originally associated with a form of madness or delirium, often linked to a medical condition, but over time, it evolved to describe emotional states related to stress and panic.

Cultural Nuances

In modern contexts, "frantic" can describe both physical and emotional reactions to high-pressure situations. It often appears in descriptions of people's actions during emergencies, hectic work environments, or moments of panic. In some cultures, "frantic" may be tied to the concept of "losing control," which can be seen as either a sign of stress or of a lack of composure.

More Information

The term "frantic" is frequently used in contexts involving high stress, urgency, or panic. It is commonly associated with situations such as a frantic search for something lost, frantic phone calls during emergencies, or frantic efforts to meet deadlines. Its use often conveys the intensity and disorganization of the action being described, and it is generally considered to reflect a loss of calm under pressure.