Frenzy, n.; pl. Frenzies.
Etymology: [OE. frenesie, fransey, F. frénésie, L. phrenesis, fr. Gr. Frantic, Phrenitis.]
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.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Frenzy, a.
Mad; frantic. [R.] They thought that some frenzy distemper had got into his head. Bunyan.
Frenzy, v. t.
To affect with frenzy; to drive to madness [R.] "Frenzying anguish." Southey.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for frenzy; he lists it under enthusiasm, insanity.
Where he writes about it:
Frenzy and mania are forms of raving and furious insanity. — from insanity