Wild-eyed

Characterized by eyes that appear wide, staring, and often frantic or excited, reflecting a state of extreme emotion such as fear, shock, excitement, or madness. It suggests a loss of composure and can imply a sense of being overwhelmed or disoriented. This expression is often used to describe a person who is experiencing heightened emotional intensity, whether positive or negative. It can also indicate a reckless or impulsive behavior driven by intense feelings or, in some contexts, a visionary or impassioned demeanor. The appearance of the eyes is the most crucial element of the meaning with a distinct look of vulnerability or emotional agitation. It’s often used in figurative language to illustrate an individual's mental or emotional state rather than their physical condition.

Wild-eyed meaning with examples

• After the sudden explosion, panicked survivors stumbled through the debris, their wild-eyed expressions reflecting the sheer terror they had just endured. They were visibly shaken and unsure what to do next. Their wide eyes communicated both their surprise and fright in a situation beyond their control.
• The lottery winner, interviewed on television, was wild-eyed with glee, clutching the winning ticket and jumping for joy, overwhelmed by his newfound fortune. He could scarcely believe the news was real. His excitement was mirrored in his frantic visual movements and expressions.
• The conspiracy theorist, preaching to a small crowd, became increasingly wild-eyed as he spoke, convinced of the impending doom and the intricate web of deception. His eyes conveyed a fervent zeal as well as delusion. The emotional intensity was off-putting.
• Lost in the dark forest, the child, separated from their parents, became wild-eyed, their gaze darting around, fear consuming them. Their physical posture and visible panic heightened the sense of helplessness. Their gaze was unfocused and terrified.
• The artist, immersed in their creative process, was often described as wild-eyed, lost in their artistic vision, fueled by passion. Their work was a visual display of intensity and inspiration. The heightened focus was reflected in their appearance