What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
panic
Example
She panicked when she realized she lost her phone. [panic: verb]
Example
The crowd was in a state of panic after the loud explosion. [panic: noun]
alarm
Example
The smoke alarm went off, indicating a fire in the building. [alarm: noun]
Example
He was alarmed by the suspicious behavior of the stranger. [alarmed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alarm is more commonly used than panic in everyday language. Alarm is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while panic is less common and refers to a more extreme and overwhelming emotional state.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between panic and alarm?
Both panic and alarm can be used in formal and informal contexts, but alarm is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.