panic Definition
- 1a sudden feeling of great fear that cannot be controlled
- 2a situation in which many people are affected by a strong feeling of fear and start to act in an uncontrolled way
Using panic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "panic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She felt a sense of panic when she realized she had lost her phone.
Example
There was a panic on the train when someone shouted 'fire'.
Example
The stock market crash caused widespread panic among investors.
Example
He tried to remain calm, but panic set in as the flames grew higher.
panic Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using panic
Example
She was in a panic when she realized she had lost her passport.
to react to a situation with extreme fear or anxiety, often resulting in hasty or irrational decisions
Example
The team hit the panic button after losing their star player to injury.
panic stations
a phrase used to describe a situation where people are preparing for or responding to an emergency
Example
When the tornado warning sounded, it was panic stations as everyone rushed to take cover.
Phrases with panic
a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that can cause physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing
Example
She experienced a panic attack while driving on the highway.
a button or switch that can be pressed in an emergency to summon help or sound an alarm
Example
The hotel room had a panic button in case of an intruder.
a secure room in a building designed to provide safety during a home invasion or other threat
Example
The wealthy businessman had a panic room installed in his mansion.
Origins of panic
from French 'panique', from Greek 'panikos', meaning 'pertaining to Pan', the god known for causing terror
Summary: panic in Brief
The term 'panic' [ˈpænɪk] refers to a sudden feeling of great fear that cannot be controlled, or a situation in which many people are affected by a strong feeling of fear and start to act in an uncontrolled way. It can manifest as a panic attack, or be triggered by events like a stock market crash. Phrases like 'panic button' and 'panic room' denote measures taken to address emergency situations. Idioms like 'in a panic' and 'hit the panic button' describe reactions to fear and anxiety.
