plural panics
1
: a state or feeling of extreme fear that makes someone unable to act or think normally
He was in a panic when he realized how late he was.
There's no reason to get into a panic.
The villagers fled in panic from the approaching army.
The crowd was in a state of panic.
She has panic attacks whenever she has to speak in public.
(medical) He was diagnosed with panic disorder. [=an illness that causes someone to have frequent panic attacks]
2
: a situation that causes many people to become afraid and to rush to do something
—usually singular
The recent panic over/about unsafe drinking water resulted in a shortage of bottled water in the stores.
panics; panicked; panicking
1
: to be overcome with extreme fear : to be affected by panic
If something goes wrong, don't panic.
2
: to cause (a person or animal) to feel extreme fear : to cause (a person or animal) to feel panic
The deer, panicked by the headlights, ran in front of the car.
Cite this Entry
“Panic.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/panic. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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