frantic

Everyday

1. Frantic means very worried, scared or upset, so that you cannot think calmly. tree →
2. Frantic means done very quickly and wildly, with lots of rushing: «a frantic search». tree →

In the lessons

In stories and news, a frantic parent searches for a lost child; a frantic rush happens before a deadline or the school bus leaves. In safety lessons, staying calm is better than being frantic. Phrases: «frantic with worry», «a frantic search», «a frantic rush».

Examples

• She was frantic with worry when her cat went missing. tree →
• There was a frantic rush to finish the homework. tree →
• The dog barked frantically at the door. tree →
• After a frantic search, we found the keys in the fridge. tree →
• The last minutes of the match were frantic. tree →
• Don't get frantic; take a deep breath. tree →
• As she was raving and roaring in this frantic manner part of the floor suddenly opened and a huge giant rose up carrying a great chest in his arms. tree →

Note

Adverb: frantically. Similar: panicky, desperate, hectic. Opposite: calm.

Early Modern English

Meaning

wild, raging or out of control, with great rage or pain. tree →

Then and now

Today frantic means very worried or scared; here it means wild or raging, as with the pig's frantic kick.

Examples

• "That is all very well," replied the Pig, with a squeal and a frantic kick. (The Aesop for Children / With pictures by Milo Winter) tree →
• But this frantic burst of grief passed, and then they took possession of their own hearts again, crushed though they were in resignation. (Japanese Fairy Tales) tree →
• As she was raving and roaring in this frantic manner part of the floor suddenly opened and a huge giant rose up carrying a great chest in his arms. (The Brown Fairy Book) tree →

Note

Today: wild, furious.