Phrensy
/ˈfrɛn.zi/noun
An archaic spelling of frenzy, meaning wild excitement, uncontrolled agitation, or madness.
Did you know?English frenzy ultimately comes from Greek phrḗn, a word for the mind, heart, or diaphragm—because ancient people located thought and emotion in the body, not just the brain.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
phrḗn
“the mind, heart, or diaphragm”
Late Latin
Latin
phrenēsis
“madness, delirium”
Old French
French
frenesie
“madness, delirium, frenzy”
Middle English
English
frenesie / phrensy
“madness, delirium, violent excitement”
Modern English
English
frenzy
“wild excitement or uncontrollable agitation”
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