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

He was allegedly forced to inhale gasoline and paint fumes and kept in conditions that left him suffering from chronic panic attacks, insomnia, stomach ulcers and permanent nerve damage to his wrists and hands. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

The thing stopping him from pursuing such a passion was his constant panic attacks and agoraphobia — which is avoiding places that may cause a panic attack. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 25 million American adults are affected by aerophobia, which can result in extreme anxiety, panic attacks, dizziness, nausea, and even heart palpitations. — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2026

Each of the first season’s seven episodes covers a different mental health issue, from how to handle a panic attack, the challenges of living with ADHD, and how to differentiate between feeling blue or sad and actual depression. — Parents, 4 July 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