What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fright
Example
The loud noise gave me a fright. [fright: noun]
Example
She was frightened by the sudden appearance of the spider. [frightened: verb]
panic
Example
The crowd started to panic when they heard the explosion. [panic: verb]
Example
He had a panic attack during the flight. [panic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Panic is less common than fright in everyday language. Fright is a more common term used to describe a sudden feeling of fear or alarm, while panic is reserved for more extreme situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fright and panic?
Both fright and panic are commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. However, panic may be more associated with medical or psychological terminology and may be used more formally in those contexts.
