What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phobia
Example
She has a phobia of spiders and can't even look at a picture of one. [phobia: noun]
Example
His phobia of flying makes it impossible for him to travel by plane. [phobia: noun]
panic
Example
She panicked when she realized she had lost her phone. [panicked: verb]
Example
The crowd started to panic when they heard the loud noise. [panic: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Panic is more commonly used than phobia in everyday language, as it is a broader term that covers a wider range of situations and emotions. Phobia is a more specialized term that is used in psychology and medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phobia and panic?
Both phobia and panic are formal words that are typically used in professional or academic contexts, although panic can also be used in informal situations to describe a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety.
