panic attack

noun

Definition of panic attack

: an episode of intense fear or apprehension that is of sudden onset

Examples of panic attack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This abrupt awakening/panic attack often hits five years or so before retirement — and that can be a good thing, financial advisers agree. — Peter Finch, The Seattle Times, "Countdown to retirement: A 5-year plan," 10 Aug. 2018 This abrupt awakening/panic attack often hits five years or so before retirement — and that can be a good thing, financial advisers agree. — Peter Finch, New York Times, "Countdown to Retirement: A Five-Year Plan," 6 July 2018 Medical specialists worry that aside from physical ailments, the boys could experience anxiety, panic attacks, recurrent nightmares, phobias or other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in the short or long term. — New York Times, "Soccer Players and Their Coach Are on the Mend, Thailand Says," 11 July 2018 Six years later, one of the world’s best artist-adventurers comes clean about the panic attacks, PTSD, and alcohol abuse that nearly killed him. — The Editors, Outside Online, "The Moments That Changed Us," 11 July 2018 Another had a panic attack in the jury room and was taken to the hospital. — Zolan Kanno-youngs, WSJ, "Trial of ‘El Chapo’ Poses Unprecedented Challenges," 12 Nov. 2018 One of the most touching recurring motifs throughout the show has been Jack teaching Randall how to breathe through his panic attacks—remember the gut-wrenching scene when Randall did the same for William in his dying moments? — Emma Dibdin, Country Living, "'This Is Us' Fans Learned So Much About Jack in Tonight's 'Vietnam' Episode," 16 Oct. 2018 In the aftermath of the experience, Murin is getting better at anticipating possible anxiety or panic attacks. — Emily Wang, SELF, "‘Frozen: The Musical’ Star Patti Murin Explains What It’s Like to Have a 12-Hour Panic Attack," 14 May 2018 Kendall Jenner‘s ongoing struggle with anxiety and panic attacks has become a main plot line on recent episodes of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. — Kaitlyn Frey, PEOPLE.com, "Kendall Jenner Keeps Her Family Chat on 'Sleep Mode' to Help Manage Anxiety," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'panic attack.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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17 Dec 2018

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The first known use of panic attack was in 1966

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panic attack

noun

Medical Definition of panic attack

: 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