frenzy Meaning, Definition & Usage

Fren"zy noun

Etymology

OE. frenesie, fransey, F. frénésie, L. phrenesis, fr. Gr. for disease of the mind, phrenitis, fr. mind. Cf. Frantic, Phrenitis.

Wordforms

plural Frenzies

Definitions

1. Any violent agitation of the mind approaching to distraction; violent and temporary derangement of the mental faculties; madness; rage.

   All else is towering frenzy and distraction. Addison.

   The poet's eye in a fine frenzy rolling. Shak.

   Syn. -- Insanity; lunacy; madness; derangment; alienation; aberration; delirium. See Insanity.

Fren"zy adjective

Definitions

1. Mad; frantic. R.

   They thought that some frenzy distemper had got into his head. Bunyan.

Fren"zy transitive verb

Definitions

1. To affect with frenzy; to drive to madness R. "Frenzying anguish." Southey.