panic

²panic

noun

Definition of PANIC

1

a : a sudden overpowering fright; also : acute extreme anxiety b : a sudden unreasoning terror often accompanied by mass flight <widespread panic in the streets> c : a sudden widespread fright concerning financial affairs that results in a depression of values caused by extreme measures for protection of property (as securities)

2

slang : one that is very funny

— pan·icky \ˈpa-ni-kē\ adjective

Examples of PANIC

1. He was in a panic when he realized how late he was.
2. There's no reason to get into a panic.
3. The villagers fled in panic from the approaching army.
4. The crowd was in a state of panic.
5. She has panic attacks whenever she has to speak in public.

First Known Use of PANIC

1708

Related to PANIC

Synonyms: alarm (also alarum), anxiety, dread, fearfulness, fright, horror, fear, scare, terror, trepidation

Related Words: phobia; creeps, jitters, nervousness, willies; pang, qualm, twinge; agitation, apprehension, consternation, discomposure, disquiet, funk, perturbation; concern, dismay, worry; cowardice, faintheartedness, timidity, timorousness

Near Antonyms: aplomb, assurance, boldness, confidence, self-assurance, self-confidence; bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, fortitude, gallantry, hardihood, intrepidity, intrepidness, stoutness, valor; audacity, guts, nerve

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See Synonym Discussion at fear

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

Rhymes with PANIC

manic