Skip to main content
panic

panic

424 2.7
A sudden strong feeling of fear that makes you lose control
  • noun
  • /ˈpænɪk/
: pánico
  • The sudden announcement caused a wave of panic among the students who feared for their safety.
  • panic attacks
  • panic disorder
  • anxiety and panic

In other words, we're one shock, we're one panic away from layoffs.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • The day passed and then another, each hour the panic became greater....

    Academic text (2017)
  • But if there is a bank panic in an emerging market, investors want safe assets.

    Academic text (1999)
  • It's fear, it's panic, not being sure.

  • The problem may be a financial panic, a financial crisis, or both.

    Academic text (1999)
  • But all that does is cause panic and stress for me.

  • Neither treatment was effective in reducing panic beyond that of the control group.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Fear turns to panic, and then panic turns to paralysis.

  • In other words, we're one shock, we're one panic away from layoffs.

  • Because as soon as the panic hits, that's when things get bad.

  • Now Pat Parker's stomach formed a tight knot as a wave of panic passed through her.

    Fiction book (1990)

Synonyms

fear
vspanic
∞ 1.0

An unpleasant feeling of being afraid because something seems dangerous

is sudden, intense, and often uncontrollable rather than a general emotion
terror
vspanic
334 4.9

A very strong feeling of fear and worry

is similar but can also include loss of control and group episodes
scare
vspanic
156 2.0

A short time when people feel afraid about something

is more intense and often uncontrollable rather than a brief moment
hysteria
vspanic
82 6.1

An extreme, uncontrolled feeling of fear or excitement

is narrower, referring mainly to sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety
fright
vspanic
72 1.5

A sudden strong feeling of fear when you expect danger

is broader, covering intense fear without needing an expected threat
panic attack
vspanic
68 4.3

A sudden time of very strong fear with fast heartbeat and trouble breathing

is sudden intense uncontrollable fear that can affect individuals or groups
alarm
vspanic
65 2.3

A sudden feeling of fear or worry about danger

can occur without a clear external realization of danger
anxiety attack
vspanic
22 4.3

A sudden time of very strong fear with a fast heart and shaking

is more about overwhelming fear rather than primarily anxiety symptoms
freakout
vspanic
  • Informal
4 7.2

A sudden strong emotional reaction that can cause panic or loss of control

focuses specifically on uncontrollable fear or anxiety rather than mixed emotions
affright
vspanic
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A sudden strong feeling of fear

is more likely to last beyond a single brief fright episode

Antonyms

106 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

34 5.1

Calm control of your feelings and actions in a difficult situation

Idioms

37 4.3

To feel sudden strong fear and act without thinking

Compounds

68 4.3

A sudden time of very strong fear with fast heartbeat and trouble breathing

13 2.8

A button you press to call for help in an emergency

Suddenly very afraid and acting without thinking

panic disorder
  • Specialized
4 5.1

A health problem with sudden, repeated attacks of strong fear and physical symptoms

panic grass
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A grass grown for grain or animal feed

How Afraid

terror
334 4.9
panic
424 2.7
fear
∞ 1.0
anxiety
484 3.5
unease
21 4.4

Surface Forms

panic singular
panics plural

Etymology

Panic comes from the Greek god Pan, who was said to make people feel sudden fear with a shout in lonely places, so people talked about a 'panic' as that surprise fear. So a panic is the 'sudden, very strong' fear that can stop people from thinking clearly.