The noun "hysteria" refers to a fit of madness, prolonged insanity, agitation, or excitement among a group of people. This is closest in definition to "frenzy." Additionally, "perennial" means lasting for a long time, constantly reoccurring; an "altercation" is a small fight; "prejudice" is a negative idea someone has about someone before they even meet them, based on things like race, gender, or religious affiliation; "banter" is playful teasing among friends.

The noun "levity" refers to humor and lightheartedness, a lack of seriousness. Additionally, "income" is money earned or paid to you; a "hearth" is a spiritual home; "affection" is a feeling of closeness with or fondness for someone; "severity" means intensity, how severe something is.

"Animosity" means "hatred" or extreme dislike.

"Paradox" means something that is true but seems contradictory; a puzzle.

"Excess" means surplus or too much of something; more than is necessary.

"Mentality" means mindset, mood or attitude. "Animosity" is a mindset, but they are not synonyms. 

"Youth" means young; the period of time when something is young; the period before adulthood or old age.

"Semblance" means outward appearance, what people see, or veneer. 

"Zeitgeist" means a thought or a belief that is characteristic of a specific time, for example a political climate or a social trend.

"Venom" means poison in the literal sense, but can also be used to mean hatred.

"Upheaval" means a major change, a disruption or a revolution.

"Maintenance" means caring for something, supporting something, maintaining something.

"Repertoire" means a collection, an inventory; often it means a stockpile of skills or knowledge.

"Alteration" means a change, a modification or a revision. 

"Occurrance" means something that happened, something that occurred; a situation.

"Meeting" means a gathering, a talk; when people group together for a purpose.

"Sensation" means a feeling, a perception or an emotion.

"Irritation" means "inflammation," or a rash; it can also mean a disturbed mental state.

"Happiness" means bliss, satisfaction or contentment.

"Opportunity" means a chance for something, favorable circumstance, a moment.

"Property" means possessions, equity or goods.

"Context" means setting, climate, background.

The correct answer is "essence." 

"Gist" is a noun that means the substance or essence of a speech, text or dialogue.

"Aversion" means dislike, opposition, antagonism. 

"Kindness" means compassion, benevolence, humanity. 

"Mettle" means bravery, caliber or courage.

"Chemistry" means attraction or charm in addition to being a field of natural science.

"Wit" means mentally sharp, funny, or clever and humorous.

"Pigment" means color, dye or stain. 

"Desert" means arid land. 

"Molecule" means a very small piece, a fragment of something, a particle of something. 

"Debt" means money that is owed to others.

"Paper" means the physical object that we write on, or it can mean a written article or essay. 

Constrictive means something is restrictive.