panic
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for panic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sudden overwhelming feeling of fear that makes it hard to think clearly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use panic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Greek panikós, "of Pan" — the god Pan was believed to cause sudden, unexplained terror in crowds and animals in lonely places.
Full origin of panic →Frequently asked questions
What does “panic” mean?
The word “panic” means a sudden overwhelming feeling of fear that makes it hard to think clearly. In plain terms, sudden intense fear that overrides clear thinking, or to be struck by it.
How do you pronounce “panic”?
“Panic” is pronounced PA-nihk (/ˈpeə̯nɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “panic” in a sentence?
Here is “panic” used in a sentence: “Panic spread through the crowd when the fire alarm went off.”
What part of speech is “panic”?
Depending on how it is used, “panic” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “panic” come from?
The word “panic” comes from Greek. From Greek panikós, "of Pan" — the god Pan was believed to cause sudden, unexplained terror in crowds and animals in lonely places.
Is “panic” a common word?
“Panic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “panic” have?
“Panic” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden overwhelming feeling of fear that makes it hard to think clearly.
What is the difference between "panic" and "fear"?
Fear is a general response to a perceived threat and can range from mild to intense, while panic is a sudden, overwhelming surge of fear that makes clear thinking difficult. Panic is essentially fear at its most acute and uncontrolled.
What is the difference between "panic" and "anxiety"?
Panic is a sudden, sharp burst of fear that peaks quickly, whereas anxiety is a more sustained feeling of worry or unease, often about something that has not yet happened. A panic attack comes on rapidly, while anxiety tends to linger.
Why does "panic" become "panicked" and "panicking"?
When "panic" takes a verb ending, a "k" is added before "-ed" or "-ing" to keep the hard "c" sound, giving "panicked" and "panicking." Without the k, the "c" would be read as soft, as in the incorrect "panicing."
What are common phrases with "panic"?
Frequent collocations include "panic attack," "panic button," "panic buying," and the reassurance "don't panic." As a verb it often appears as "panic over" something or "start to panic."