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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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
That afternoon, another detainee called her with a message that left her panic-stricken: Her son, 25-year-old Yoiker David Sequera, had been taken away to a notorious offshore prison.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
These are not the first crew members to be panic-stricken by a stray rat today.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 May 2023
Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025
That afternoon, another detainee called her with a message that left her panic-stricken: Her son, 25-year-old Yoiker David Sequera, had been taken away to a notorious offshore prison.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 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
Adjective
-
Republicans are frightened, too.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Farima was withdrawn and frightened.—
Sarah Ferguson,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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It’s struck fear in the hearts of panicked citizens.—
Michael Taube,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Footage showed panicked students fleeing for cover under the Western sunshine.—
Melissa Galbraith,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In a recent video posted to the AI Bible's Youtube channel, buildings crumble and terrified-looking people claw their way through the rubble.—
Geoff Brumfiel,
NPR,
7 Sep. 2025
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Ed and Lorraine are the beautiful, tragic saviors of a terrified family confronted with a deep evil, strengthened by the power of their love for each other.—
Emily Palmer Heller,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This version of Frankenstein’s monster enters the world as a frightened newborn babe, scared and curious and desperate for human affection.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 Sep. 2025
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In fact, Vanngo wants everyone to keep in mind that makeup is meant to be played and experimented with, so don’t be scared to try a new look.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Was Broncos coach Robert Park concerned — maybe a little panicky?—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Panic-stricken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panic-stricken. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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