rabid

adjective

ra·​bid ˈra-bəd 

also

ˈrā- 

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 

ra-, 

rā-

noun

rabidly

ˈra-bəd-lē 

also ˈrā-

adverb

rabidness noun

Synonyms of rabid

• extreme
• radical
• revolutionary

Examples of rabid in a Sentence

a politician with rabid supporters

Her husband is a rabid baseball fan.

Recent Examples on the Web

Of the 69 rabid bats recorded this year, 68% were found in the Santa Clarita Valley, consistent with trends seen over the last decade, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

However, two people were exposed to a rabid bat in Ballantyne in September. — Eva Flowe october 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026

Los Angeles County public health leaders are sharing a warning with the public due to a record number of rabid bats detected in 2026. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

While some industry experts expect another season of rabid price cutting, imports are down this year, restricting products available for shoppers. — David Moin, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin rabidus mad, from rabere

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

rabid

adjective

ra·​bid ˈrab-əd 

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