panic-stricken

adjective

Definition of panic-strickennext
as in frightened
too overcome with panic to think or act normally The panic-stricken horses crashed through the door of the burning barn.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of panic-stricken For the first time in his life, the great shark couldn’t swim freely and, panic-stricken, bolted clear of his world and there was only emptiness, and his tail and pectoral fins were helpless in the void. — Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025 These are not the first crew members to be panic-stricken by a stray rat today. — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panic-stricken
  1. frightened
  2. panicked
  3. terrified
  4. scared
  5. panicky
Adjective
  • The capital’s numerous skyscrapers amplified the sensation of movement, sending frightened residents into streets and open spaces.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, some of the frightened and wary passengers wondered about them and whether they could be trusted.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • Then came a panicked call from Miller, who spotted jackhammers across the street.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026
  • For a panicked moment, the two of them just looked at each other.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of panicked
Adjective
  • Even after the attacker was restrained, passengers remained terrified.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • This kind of conversation always leaves me half-amused, half-terrified.
    — Alicja Turczyk, The Dial, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of terrified
Adjective
  • Many members of the public also described to reporters and on social media feeling intimidated, scared and harassed by heavily armed security guards hired by the film company to keep the public off streets closed for the movie set.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • More than anything, this adaptation feels scared of being too unlikable or scaring anyone too much.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • Events came to a head months later when a panicky party forced Starmer’s resignation and his replacement by Burnham as party leader and prime minister in July.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The hardest part about it might be dealing with panicky Cubs fans in a pennant race.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of panicky

Browse Nearby Words

panics
panic-stricken
panjandrum
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Cite this Entry

“Panic-stricken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panic-stricken. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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