fever

plural fevers · alternative obsolete rare feaver · alternative obsolete rare fevre

1. countableuncountablemedicineA higher than normal body temperature of a person (or, generally, a mammal), usually caused by disease.

   There has been a rise in my fever. I think I've the flu.

   1 more example

   Proper nutrition – and even more important, proper hydration – is crucial in preventing and recovering from both fevers and colds. […] As Abramson explained, when we are sick, whether we have a fever or not, our metabolic rates skyrocket, and our bodies need more calories to support that high metabolic rate.

   2016 September 16, Hailey Middlebrook, “Should you really feed a cold and starve a fever?”, in CNN

   Synonyms: high temperature, pyrexia, temperature

2. countablein compoundsuncountableusuallyAny of various diseases.

   scarlet fever

3. countableuncountableA state of excitement or anxiety.

   an envious fever

   c. 1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Troylus and Cressida”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]

   1 more example

   There is little doubt that while war fever has not gripped Taipei, its economic foundations are being shaken. The stock market rose yesterday, but only because the Government has pumped $1.5 billion (£1 billion) into it after $370 million was drained from banks, and stocks were sold by investors who are worried by the Chinese manoeuvres.

   1996 March 15, Jonathan Mirsky, “Taiwan President visits islanders to bolster morale”, in The Times, number 65,528, →ISSN, →OCLC, Overseas News, page 15, column 3

   Synonyms: excitation, excitement, passion

4. collectivecountableneologismA group of stingrays.

   She threw up her hands in excitement and the ball of water flew right into the pathway of the fever of stingrays.

   2020, Sarah Elizabeth, Secrets of the Past: Ocean Academy Year 1

   2 more examples

   On the way back to the mainland the boat passed over a fever of stingrays, and the sight of them through the glass was enough to colour everything else, and outstrip it.

   2011, Julianne Schultz, editor, Griffith REVIEW 34: The Annual Fiction Edition

   They move like thoughts, like memory, like a Wes Anderson diorama of earthly delights: lionfish, an albacore, a fever of stingrays—and then like a wound, a sea turtle at eye level.

   2020, Lindsay Illich, “sea turtle”, in rile & heave (everything reminds me of you): Poems

5. countablederogatoryin compoundsoftenslanguncountableSexual attraction towards a specific group of people.

   blue fever

   3 more examples

   Asian fever

   clown fever

   white fever

present singular third person fevers · participle present fevering · participle past fevered · past fevered · alternative obsolete rare feaver · alternative obsolete rare fevre

1. To put into a fever; to affect with fever.

   a fevered lip

   1 more example

   the white hand of a lady fever thee

   c. 1606–1607 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene xiii]

2. To become fevered.