Frenzied

/ˈfrɛnzid/ adjective

Definition

Wildly excited or uncontrolled in behavior, showing extreme agitation or mania.

Etymology

From Greek 'phrenitis' meaning inflammation of the brain, through Latin 'phrenesis'. Originally a medical term for mental illness, it evolved to describe any wildly excited state. The 'phren-' root also gives us 'schizophrenia'.

Kelly Says

This word preserves ancient Greek medical theory that mental disturbances originated in brain inflammation. While we now know frenzy isn't caused by literal brain swelling, the word still captures that feeling of thoughts racing beyond our control.

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