What does panic mean?
Panic denotes a sudden, overwhelming episode of fear that can temporarily overwhelm careful thought and make people act urgently, irrationally, or collectively. The noun is commonly used for a person's emotional state, for the spread of fear through a crowd, and for moments of severe financial or social disruption. The verb describes either experiencing that fear or responding to a situation in a confused and uncontrolled way. Although panic may sometimes be described as unreasonable, it can also be a natural response to genuine danger, so the word does not automatically indicate foolishness. In public discussion, the related phrase “panic attack” refers to a sudden episode of intense fear, while “panic button” evokes an emergency measure designed to stop a dangerous process quickly. The word is especially associated with emergencies, crowded places, accidents, and financial markets, where fear can quickly become shared and self-reinforcing.
A sudden and intense feeling of fear that may cause loss of self-control; also, a state of widespread fear or confusion.
"The building was evacuated amid widespread panic after smoke was seen near the roof."
The financial sense refers to a period of severe anxiety and disorder in financial markets.
To experience sudden, intense fear or to act in a confused and uncontrolled way.
"Passengers panicked when the train began moving without warning."
Usually intransitive; it describes a person or group losing composure through fear.
Used for separate episodes of panic or for distinct instances of widespread fear or financial disruption.
"The company avoided several panics by maintaining a substantial cash reserve."
Panic can spread faster than reason: one person's alarm can turn a crowd's unease into collective flight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does panic come from?
The word comes through French panique from Latin panicus, a borrowing of Greek panikos, meaning “causing panic” or “affecting all.” Greek panikos was formed from pan, meaning “all,” and a suffix associated with states or conditions. English adopted the word in the late 16th century, initially in contexts involving widespread fear and social or religious alarm, and its financial sense developed with later usage in money and markets.
Related word forms
How panic is actually used
The noun is common in both formal and informal English. The verb is used for sudden fear and often implies a loss of rational control; in financial contexts, it describes rapid and disorderly reactions to uncertainty.
Easily confused with panic
A phobia is a persistent and specific fear of a particular object, situation, or class of stimuli, whereas panic is typically a sudden episode of intense fear that can occur without an obvious external threat.