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panic-struck

panic-struck

7.5
Suddenly very afraid and unable to think clearly
  • adjective
  • /ˈpænɪk strʌk/
translation icon : aterrorizado
  • The unexpected noise left the children panic-struck, unable to move from their hiding spots.

Examples

  • She appeared panic-struck when she realized her child was missing in the busy store.

  • Don't be panic-struck!

  • As the fire alarm sounded, the panic-struck crowd rushed toward the exit.

  • His panic-struck expression told me he had just remembered the deadline.

  • The panic-struck crowd rushed for the exits.

  • While waiting for the results of her medical test, she felt panic-struck and couldn't stop fidgeting.

  • When the fire alarm went off, the crowd became panic-struck, rushing towards the exits in fear.

Synonyms

terrified
vspanic-struck
263 2.1

Feeling very afraid because you think something bad will happen

is the same strong fear but stresses sudden seizure by panic
frantic
vspanic-struck
93 3.9

Very worried and acting quickly in a wild, uncontrolled way

is anxious too but centers on sudden fear rather than wild uncontrolled action
stricken
vspanic-struck
48 8.0

Seriously affected by illness, disaster, or strong feeling

is narrower, focusing specifically on sudden, panic-like fear rather than general overwhelm
panicky
vspanic-struck
22 4.1

Feeling sudden, strong fear that makes you act without thinking

is the same sudden fear but highlights being completely seized by it
in a panic
vspanic-struck
19 4.3

To feel sudden strong fear and act without thinking

is the same state but expressed as a single intense episode
panicked
vspanic-struck
16 4.6

Feeling sudden, strong fear that makes it hard to think or act calmly

is the same sudden fear but framed as being overtaken rather than described
alarmed
vspanic-struck
10 2.2

Suddenly afraid or worried because you think something bad might happen

is closer to being overtaken by panic rather than mere worry
panic-stricken
vspanic-struck
4 6.3

Suddenly very afraid and acting without thinking

is similar but emphasizes being seized by panic rather than desperation
frightened
vspanic-struck
3 1.0

Being afraid because something seems dangerous

is similar but implies a sudden overwhelming seizure by panic
terror-stricken
vspanic-struck
1 7.7

Suddenly feeling very frightened

is like this but centers on panic rather than exclusively terror
horror-stricken
vspanic-struck
1 7.2

Feeling very shocked and afraid after seeing something frightening

is similar but focuses more on being seized by panic itself
terror-struck
vspanic-struck
7.9

Suddenly feeling very afraid

is similar but focuses on panic born from anxiety rather than pure terror
consternated
vspanic-struck
  • Archaic
8.4

Feeling very surprised and worried by something unexpected

is more narrowly about being gripped by panic rather than confusion
shaken
vspanic-struck
2.7

Feeling upset and confused after a sudden bad event

is more about intense fear seizure rather than general shock
startled
vspanic-struck
3.3

Feeling sudden surprise and often jumping

is about being overtaken by panic rather than brief surprise or startle

Antonyms

1 2.3

Someone who feels calm and not upset about problems

How Scared

terrified
263 2.1
panic-struck
7.5
scared
1.0
afraid
1.0
nervous
1.3
uneasy
98 3.2

Surface Forms

panic-struck positive

Morphology

panic-struck = panic + struck (transparent) = panic + struck

Formed from 'panic' + past-participle 'struck' meaning 'hit/affected by panic', a directly inferable combination for learners.

Etymology

Panic-struck comes from panic, linked to the Greek god Pan, who was said to cause a 'sudden fear', and from struck, which means 'hit'. So, to be panic-struck is to be 'hit' by sudden fear or anxiety.