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jungle fever

jungle fever

8.2
A strong wish to travel to wild places like rainforests for adventure
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒʌŋɡəl ˈfiːvər/
  • Archaic
translation icon : ansia de aventura
  • Ever since she read about the Amazon, she's had jungle fever and dreams of exploring rainforests.

Examples

  • His jungle fever pushed him to sign up for a trekking adventure in Southeast Asia.

  • Travel magazines often fuel readers' jungle fever with stories of wild, untouched landscapes.

  • She has a serious case of jungle fever!

  • After visiting Costa Rica, I caught jungle fever.

  • After reading travel blogs, she caught jungle fever and planned her trip to the Amazon rainforest.

  • His jungle fever inspired him to embark on a thrilling journey to explore the wilderness of Madagascar.

  • Travel documentaries often spark jungle fever among viewers eager for adventure in exotic locations.

Synonyms

wanderlust
vsjungle fever
6 6.7

A strong desire to travel and see new places

is focused on travel to exotic and natural places rather than general travel
to itch to travel
vsjungle fever
  • Informal
1 6.2

To want very much to go to new places

is more about seeking exotic natural destinations rather than any new place
to itch for adventure
vsjungle fever
  • Informal
5.3

To want very much to try new exciting things

is directed more to travel to exotic natural places than general excitement
hunger for adventure
vsjungle fever
3.5

A strong wish to try exciting or unusual experiences

is more intensely tied to travel to exotic natural places rather than general longing

Antonyms

85 1.3

A feeling of being tired and restless when you have nothing to do

5 5.8

Not feeling interested in something, like a talk or task

How Adventurous

wanderlust
6 6.7
jungle fever
  • Archaic
8.2
urge
223 3.2
curiosity
318 2.2
interest
1.0

Surface Forms

jungle fever singular
jungle fevers plural

Morphology

jungle + fever

The meaning is directly built from 'jungle' (exotic, tropical place) + 'fever' (a metaphorical state of intense excitement or craving); the pattern X + 'fever' = a craze or intense desire is productive in English. A B1 learner who knows both words can reasonably infer 'an intense desire for adventure or exotic travel' from the constituents.

Etymology

Jungle fever paints the picture of being 'bitten' by the jungle, so you catch the fever to travel to wild places. That's why it means 'a strong desire for adventure'.