Panic Adjective: Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：panicked (panic)

panic 🔊

/ˈpænɪk/

adj.

A strong feeling of fear that comes suddenly and makes you lose control of your thoughts.

Panic adjective showing a person with wide fearful eyes in shock

panicked 🔊

➕

/ˈpænɪkt/

adj.

Describes a state of sudden, overwhelming fear that can cause loss of control.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek god Pan, whose sudden appearance caused irrational fear.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of Pan: his sudden appearance makes you panic.

📖 Example

The teacher announced a surprise quiz, and a panic mood spread through the classroom. 🔊 The teacher announced a surprise quiz, and a panic mood spread through the classroom.

🔗 Collocations

panic attack – A sudden episode of intense fear triggering severe physical reactions

panic disorder – A mental health condition characterized by recurring panic attacks

panic buying – The act of purchasing large quantities of goods due to fear of shortage

🔄 Synonyms

frightened (adj.) – Feeling fear or anxiety; scared

alarmed (adj.) – Feeling anxious or afraid due to a sudden threat

terrified (adj.) – Extremely frightened

🚫 Antonyms

calm (adj.) – Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions

composed (adj.) – Having one's feelings and expressions under control

serene (adj.) – Peaceful and untroubled; tranquil

🌱 Derivatives

panicky (adj.) – Feeling or showing panic

panicking (v.) – Present participle of panic; feeling or causing panic

panicked (adj./v.) – Past tense of panic; also describes a state of panic

📖 Cultural Story

Panic originates from the Greek god Pan, who would appear suddenly and emit a terrifying sound, causing fear in people. This gave rise to the word 'panic' for sudden, uncontrollable fear.