rabid

adjective

ra·​bid ˈra-bəd How to pronounce rabid (audio)
also
ˈrā- How to pronounce rabid (audio)
Synonyms of rabidnext
1
a
: extremely violent : furious
b
: going to extreme lengths in expressing or pursuing a feeling, interest, or opinion
rabid editorials
a rabid supporter
2
: affected with rabies
a rabid dog
rabidity
rə-ˈbi-də-tē How to pronounce rabid (audio)
ra-
rā-
noun
rabidly
ˈra-bəd-lē How to pronounce rabid (audio)
also ˈrā-
adverb
rabidness noun

Examples of rabid in a Sentence

a politician with rabid supporters Her husband is a rabid baseball fan.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scenario two is that Harbaugh is leveraging the Giants’ rabid interest but ultimately could take a different job, devastating this desperate fan base. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026 Henry’s novels — and this book in particular — have a rabid fanbase, which meant there were plenty of opinions online about who should play the two leads Alex and Poppy. Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026 In March 2020, a rabid mountain lion attacked two people, including a sheriff's deputy, west of Loveland. Miles Blumhardt, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026 For a rabid and disarmingly loyal fan base that has enjoyed … checks notes … two playoff appearances (and zero victories) over the past 23 seasons, this would be a very welcome sight. Michael Silver, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rabid

Word History

Etymology

Latin rabidus mad, from rabere

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rabid was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rabid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rabid. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

rabid

adjective
ra·​bid ˈrab-əd How to pronounce rabid (audio)
also ˈrā-bəd
1
: extremely violent : furious
2
: going to extreme lengths (as in interest or opinion)
rabid supporters
3
: affected with rabies
a rabid dog
rabidly adverb

Medical Definition

rabid

adjective
ra·​bid
ˈrab-əd also ˈrā-bəd
: affected with rabies
a rabid dog

More from Merriam-Webster on rabid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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