panic attack

noun

plural panic attacks

: a sudden feeling or episode of panic

specifically : a brief episode of intense fear or dread that is of sudden onset and typically subsides within 30 minutes, usually occurs for no apparent reason but may sometimes be associated with an identifiable triggering stimulus (such as an existing phobia), and is accompanied by a sense of unreality and impending loss of control and by various debilitating physical symptoms (such as increased heart rate, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath)

Those undergoing a panic attack often believe they are suffering a heart attack or some other illness.

—Lillian Lee Kim

Agoraphobia is a fear only of fear itself, that is, of any situation where help would be unavailable and escape difficult in case of a panic attack.

—The Harvard Mental Health Letter

compare anxiety attack

Examples of panic attack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Students Walk Out of School to Protest Gun Violence on Anniversary of 1999 Columbine Massacre On the 10-year anniversary of the shooting, Over had a panic attack about sending her daughter to school. —Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2024

Some people who have reported uncomfortable highs, and in some circumstances, panic attacks, psychosis, and hospitalization after taking a delta-8 or other hemp product. —Ashley Okwuosa, The Examination; Amy Yurkanin, Al.com; John Diedrich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

Other consumers have suffered uncomfortable highs, and in some circumstances, panic attacks, psychosis and hospitalization. —John Diedrich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Ashley Okwuosa, The Examination | Amy Yurkanin, Al.com, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024

These include a panic attack, anemia (a lack of oxygen-rich red blood cells), dehydration, and lack of sleep. —Yuliya Klochan, Health, 14 Apr. 2024

Taken to treat certain mental/mood disorders, such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2024

Medical responders also transported another person who was possibly grazed by a bullet and a pregnant woman who suffered an apparent panic attack. —Melissa Alonso, CNN, 31 Mar. 2024

Lee has a panic attack during the third act war zone. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024

Doctors labeled his symptoms as a panic attack and sent him home. —Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

panic attack

noun

: an episode of intense fear or apprehension that is of sudden onset and may occur for no apparent reason or as a reaction to an identifiable triggering stimulus (as a stressful event)

specifically : one that is accompanied by usually four or more bodily or cognitive symptoms (as heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or feelings of unreality) and that typically peaks within 10 minutes of onset