frenzy

USAGE SUMMARY

'frenzy' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun which refers to a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior. For example: The shoppers were in a frenzy as the store opened its doors on Black Friday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Madmen in authority, who hear voices in the air, are distilling their frenzy from some academic scribbler of a few years back".

The Economist

All who were there have commented on the supercharged atmosphere among a crowd whipped into a frenzy by the nationalism stirred up by their first clash with Albania in Belgrade since 1967.

The Guardian - Sport

Shares in Foxtons rose by 13%, and more than £100m of central London property was sold in a 24-hour frenzy, as estate agents worked through the night to deal with the renewed interest from wealthy buyers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Behind me, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the world crashes down in a frenzy of white mist.

The Guardian - Travel

In this frenzy of the January transfer window, it may seem curious to outsiders that some of the strongest focus from England on a Scottish club can be found in Falkirk.

The Guardian - Sport

The adulation and flag-waving frenzy is reminiscent of early Blair-steria.

The Guardian - Film

When a book, film, song, theatre show, YouTube clip or whatever is tagged with the term controversial it always jolts me into an internet frenzy of researching, watching, buying etc.

The Guardian

The arrival of her van at the Iowa community college sent hundreds of journalists and satellite trucks into a frenzy.

The Guardian

Voters are left distilling from the frenzy hints about where leaders would take the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

He abandoned a careful approach to prose and structure, and wrote in a blind creative frenzy, producing upwards of 20 pages a day.

The Guardian - Books

This morning, 14 years on, Wright is pulling together and fact-checking his script to make sure his audience is whipped into a factually sturdy frenzy on topics such as a proposal to regulate legal highs ("What does Banshee Dust actually do?").

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frenzy" to vividly describe situations characterized by a loss of control, intense excitement, or chaotic activity to enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "frenzy" when describing mild excitement or interest. "Frenzy" implies a degree of wildness or irrationality that isn't present in simple enthusiasm.

Linguistic Context

The word "frenzy" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior. Ludwig AI identifies its use across various contexts, from describing market surges to emotional outbursts, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "frenzy" is a commonly used noun to describe a state of wild excitement or uncontrolled activity. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent appearance in news and media sources, emphasizing its role in vividly depicting chaotic or intensely emotional situations. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to distinguish "frenzy" from milder forms of excitement and to avoid using it when a more restrained term would be appropriate. Related phrases like "state of agitation", "fit of madness", or "bout of hysteria" provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bout of hysteria

Suggests an overwhelming emotional state that results in exaggerated behavior.

feeding rage

Highlights uncontrolled anger and aggression, often in a destructive manner.

fit of madness

Emphasizes the irrational and uncontrolled nature of the behavior.

surge of panic

Focuses on the feeling of intense fear and anxiety.

state of agitation

Focuses on the disturbed emotional state, rather than the outward expression of activity.

outbreak of chaos

Emphasizes the disorder and lack of control.

burst of excitement

Highlights the sudden and intense nature of the emotion.

spasm of activity

Indicates a sudden, intense, and short-lived period of activity.

wave of enthusiasm

Highlights a shared and intense excitement among a group.

intense commotion

Highlights the noisy and disruptive nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "frenzy" in a sentence?

You can use "frenzy" to describe periods of uncontrolled excitement or activity. For instance, "The shoppers were in a frenzy on Black Friday."

What's a good synonym for "frenzy"?

Alternatives to "frenzy" include "hysteria", "rage", or "delirium", depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

Is it correct to use "frenzy" to describe a positive situation?

While "frenzy" often carries a negative connotation of being uncontrolled or chaotic, it can be used to describe a positive situation if the intensity of excitement is very high, such as a "buying frenzy" after a major product release.

What is the difference between "frenzy" and "excitement"?

"Excitement" is a general feeling of enthusiasm, while "frenzy" implies a more intense and possibly uncontrolled state. A "burst of excitement" may lead to a frenzy if it escalates significantly.