RABID

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does rabid mean? 

• RABID (adjective)
  The adjective RABID has 2 senses:

1. of or infected by rabies

2. marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea

  Familiarity information: RABID used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• RABID (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or infected by rabies

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Pertainym:

rabies (an acute viral disease of the nervous system of warm-blooded animals (usually transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal); rabies is fatal if the virus reaches the brain)

Derivation:

rabidly (in the manner of an animal with rabies)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea

Synonyms:

fanatic; fanatical; overzealous; rabid

Context example:

rabid isolationist

Similar:

passionate (having or expressing strong emotions)

Derivation:

rabidity (unrestrained excitement or enthusiasm)

rabidly (in an extreme or fanatical manner)

rabidness (unrestrained excitement or enthusiasm)

 Context examples 

Mugridge seemed to be in rabid fear of the water, and he exhibited a nimbleness and speed we did not dream he possessed.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Martin told him that his hatred of the magazines was rabid, fanatical, and that his conduct was a thousand times more despicable than that of the youth who burned the temple of Diana at Ephesus.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)