Frenzy and Frantic Come From Inflammation of the Brain
A frenzy is wild uncontrolled behaviour. The Greek original was a medical term for a brain inflammation.
A frenzy is a state of wild uncontrolled excitement. The Greek *phrenitis* was a diagnosis: an inflammation of the brain causing delirium, from *phren*, mind or diaphragm. *Frantic* is the same word, and *schizophrenia* and *phrenology* both use the same Greek root for mind.
- Wild excitement. *A media frenzy.*
- Frantic — wildly agitated. *A frantic search.*
- Feeding frenzy — chaotic competition. *A feeding frenzy.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | frenzy | A buying frenzy. |
| Plural | frenzies | Periodic frenzies. |
| Adjective | frenzied | Frenzied activity. |
| Related | frantic | A frantic call. |
| Related | phrenic | The phrenic nerve. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The announcement caused a frenzy.Excitement.
- A feeding frenzy among sharks.The original zoological use.
- The phrenic nerve serves the diaphragm.Same Greek root.
Words from *phren*
- Frenzy — from a word for brain inflammation
- Frantic — the same word, differently worn down
- Schizophrenia — a split mind, as the coiner intended it
- Phrenology — the discredited study of skull shape
- Phrenic — relating to the diaphragm
From Old French *frenesie*, from Late Latin *phrenesis*, from Greek *phrenitis*, brain inflammation, from *phren*, mind or midriff.
Are frantic and frenzy the same word?
Yes, in origin. Both descend from the Greek medical term for delirium caused by inflammation of the brain.
Why does *phren* mean both mind and diaphragm?
Greek thought located emotion and thought in the chest, so one word covered the seat of the mind and the physical midriff.