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

The sequence in which Carmy tries to talk Richie down from a panic attack feels equally dynamic and alive right to its conclusion — when Carmy pretends they’ve gotten locked in, just as Carmy once was, to mess with Richie’s head. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Earlier in the day, Natalie informs him that he’s been invited to an international hospitality seminar in Japan, which initially causes a panic attack. — Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 26 June 2026

In 2023, just before the Magic Kingdom version closed for its Princess and the Frog revamp, another guest jumped out of a boat mid-ride amid what was reported at the time as a panic attack. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026

Kohen's mother, Vellesiya Wiley, has suffered panic attacks in the wake of the shooting, Crump said. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for panic attack

• ammoniac
• biofeedback
• counterattack
• demoniac
• elegiac
• noncardiac
• paranoiac
• aback
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack

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