lexicow

frenzy

/ˈfrenzi//ˈfrenzi/·noun
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Definition

A frenzy is a burst of wild, unrestrained energy — activity so excited or agitated that reason drops away. Shoppers in a buying frenzy, a media frenzy around a scandal, a frenzy of last-minute work: in each, normal limits give way to something frantic and contagious. The word suggests a temporary fever of the crowd or the mind, intense while it lasts and exhausting once it passes, when the frantic motion finally burns itself out and calm returns.

Examples

  • The transfer rumour sent fans into a frenzy that social media only helped to amplify.
  • In a frenzy of preparation the whole kitchen moved at twice its normal speed.
  • The feeding frenzy lasted only minutes; then the water stilled and the excitement began to abate.

Collocations

a feeding frenzy·a media frenzy·in a frenzy·whip into a frenzy·a buying frenzy

Synonyms

hysteria·mania·fever·agitation·turmoil

Antonyms

calm·composure·serenity

Word family

frenzied (adjective)·frenetic (adjective)

In TOEFL & IELTS

Mostly used in fixed phrases — 'a media/feeding/buying frenzy', 'whip the crowd into a frenzy'. Good for IELTS Speaking and Writing on consumer behaviour and the media. The adjective frenzied (frenzied activity) is equally useful; the near-relative frenetic means fast and chaotic. Note the spelling: fren-zy.