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

His on-off girlfriend Anna (Yara Bakri) knows enough to keep her distance during his volatile panic attacks. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026

Lucy, Philip and their small son have moved away from the concert circuit to a beautiful old farmhouse in Bavaria, where Lucy hopes a slower pace of life will smooth away Philip’s panic attacks. —Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2026

The patient had a panic attack during the first appointment and the follow-up, according to the suit, filed in Gaston County Superior Court. —Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026

One of the boys, now 9, had a panic attack, according to the claim. —Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 13 May 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