Pronunciation: [ɹˈe͡ɪbɪd] (IPA) 
The word "rabid" is commonly spelled with a "b" in the middle, but its pronunciation might suggest otherwise. The IPA phonetic transcription for "rabid" is /ˈræbɪd/, where the "b" sound is pronounced softly or almost like a "v". This might lead some people to mistakenly spell it as "ravid". However, the correct spelling is "rabid", as it derives from the Latin word "rabidus", meaning "mad or raging", which explains the "b" in the middle.
Rabid is an adjective that describes an individual or thing as being extremely zealous, fanatical, or fervent in their beliefs or support towards a particular cause, idea, or activity. The term is typically used to indicate an excessive, uncontrollable, and often irrational passion or enthusiasm.
In a literal sense, rabid refers to animals infected with the viral disease rabies. However, when used metaphorically, it characterizes individuals who display an intense and unyielding dedication or loyalty towards someone or something. Such intense devotion or obsession may often lead to irrational behavior, aggression, or an unchecked passion for their beliefs.
For example, one might describe a rabid fan as someone who displays excessive and irrational support for their favorite sports team, going to great lengths to attend all their games, constantly talking about their team, and displaying fierce loyalty, even in the face of defeat.
Furthermore, in political or ideological contexts, the term rabid is employed to describe individuals who exhibit extreme and often violent behavior in the pursuit of their cause. This may involve radicalism, intolerance, aggressive advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to their beliefs at the expense of reason or acceptance of differing opinions.
In summary, rabid serves as a descriptor for unfettered enthusiasm, uncontrolled passion, and extreme devotion marked by irrationality, aggression, or fanaticism.
Relating to or suffering from rabies.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Furious; raging; mad, as a dog.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "rabid" traces its etymology back to the Latin word "rabidus", which means "mad" or "furious". It is derived from the noun "rabies", a term referring to a viral disease that primarily affects animals, most notably dogs. In Old English, "rabid" was translated as "rabbode", and later, in Middle English, it became "rabide". Over time, it came to be used figuratively to describe someone who is extremely fanatical or zealous about a particular belief or cause. The term eventually transformed into its current form, "rabid", in the late 19th century.
