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

This is a woman who can’t open the refrigerator without having a panic attack. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025

The director, who requested anonymity given the public-facing nature of his role, told Fortune that a doctor diagnosed him with a panic attack, while his therapist suggested it was related to burnout from stress at work, while stopping short of making that diagnosis. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025

If your personal growth involves abstaining from alcohol due to migraines, panic attacks or other health complications, this is not a lifestyle choice anymore. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

The heat was so severe that some struggled to breathe, had panic attacks and lost weight, according to court documents. —Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for panic attack

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

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