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

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 In this op-ed, model Bridget Malcolm opens up about managing her anxiety and panic attacks. — Bridget Malcolm, Teen Vogue, "Bridget Malcolm Opened Up About Dealing With Anxiety and Panic Attacks," 14 Apr. 2018 By January 2017, Garcia had met with a psychiatrist who prescribed medication and wrote her a note requesting she be moved to another work site because of anxiety and panic attacks, according to court documents. — Gustavo Solis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Chula Vista paid former employee $400,000 to settle sexual harassment lawsuit," 20 Mar. 2018 The students who are dead, the students still in the hospital, the student now suffering PTSD, the students who had panic attacks during the vigil because the helicopters would not leave us alone, hovering over the school for 24 hours a day. — Jennifer Lance, Glamour, "Florida Student Emma Gonzalez Delivered This Powerful Speech Demanding Gun Control Reform," 18 Feb. 2018 The girl in the bathroom was having a panic attack. — Aneri Pattani, Philly.com, "College students train to help peers at risk for suicide, depression and more," 10 July 2018 The girl in the bathroom was having a panic attack. — Aneri Pattani, Philly.com, "College students train to help peers at risk for suicide, depression and more," 10 July 2018 Huffman phoned Kym, who threw her cell and called him a liar before suffering a panic attack. — Greg Bishop, SI.com, "A College QB's Suicide. A Family's Search for Answers.," 26 June 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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24 Sep 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