Definition of panic
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: of, relating to, or resembling the mental or emotional state believed induced by the god Pan
panic fear
2
: of, relating to, or arising from a panic
panic buying panic selling a panic retreat
3
: of or relating to the god Pan
Panic rites
panic
nounDefinition of panic (Entry 2 of 3)
1a
: a sudden overpowering fright
also
: acute, extreme anxiety
b
: a sudden unreasoning terror often accompanied by mass flight
widespread panic in the streets
c
: a sudden widespread fright concerning financial affairs that results in a depression of values caused by extreme measures for protection of property (such as securities)
panic
verbDefinition of panic (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: to affect with panic
2
: to cause to laugh uproariously
panic an audience with a gag
: to be affected with panic
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Food
-
- Name these cookies!

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share panic
Time Traveler for panic
The first known use of panic was circa 1586
See more words from the same year