What does panicking mean?
Panicking describes the act of experiencing panic: a sudden, intense reaction of fear or alarm that can make someone think, speak, or act in a confused and uncontrolled manner. The form is widely used for people and crowds, as in “the audience was panicking,” and can also function as an adjective before a noun, as in “a panicking crowd.” It is usually more emotionally immediate than simply saying that someone is afraid, because it suggests fear that has become overwhelming or difficult to control. In ordinary contexts, panicking may describe a reaction to a genuinely alarming event, but it is also often used lightly for exaggerated nervousness, such as panicking over a delayed appointment. The related noun panic names the condition or episode itself, while panicked is the standard past-tense and past-participle form.
To react with sudden, intense fear or alarm, often in a confused or uncontrolled way.
"People panicked and rushed toward the exits."
This is the present participle of panic. The base verb is more usual in forms such as “They panic” and “She panicked.”
Characterized by sudden, intense fear or alarm.
"The panicking crowd filled the square."
Common as a participial adjective, especially before a noun such as “crowd,” “passengers,” or “voice.”
Panic is more than a sudden fright: it names the moment when fear takes control of thought and behavior.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of panicking
The word belongs to a family derived from the Greek adjective panikon, meaning “of or like Pan,” and is associated with the god Pan and the alarm he was believed to cause. English borrowed the term through French panique, initially referring to a contagious or widespread fear. The modern forms developed from the established English noun and verb panic.
Related word forms
How panicking is actually used
Panicking is an inflection of panic, normally used in the present continuous or as a participle. It is common in everyday speech and journalism; the related noun panic emphasizes the condition or event, while panicked more often describes a person's state.
Easily confused with panicking
Panicky is usually an adjective describing a nervous or easily frightened person, while panicking is a verb form or participle describing an active reaction of fear or alarm.