Panic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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panic
[หpanษชk ]
Definitions
feeling
A sudden feeling of fear or anxiety that can lead to irrational behavior.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| panic |
Use this in situations where there is sudden, uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior.
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| alarm |
This word is suitable for situations where there is a sense of urgent concern or worry, but typically not as intense as terror or panic.
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| fear |
Use this to describe a general feeling of anxiety, worry, or apprehension about something that might happen.
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| terror |
This is best used for extreme fear, often associated with a sense of impending doom or violent threat. It has a strong, negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She felt a sense of panic when she realized she had lost her wallet.
- The panic in the crowd grew as the fire spread through the building.
crowd
A sudden overwhelming fear or anxiety affecting a group of people.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| panic |
Used when people suddenly feel a lot of fear and act hastily. Often related to dangerous situations or emergencies.
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| commotion |
Describes a situation with a lot of noise and activity, often causing disturbance or drawing attention. Usually less serious than panic.
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| uproar |
Indicates a loud and impassioned noise, often from a group of people expressing strong reactions, such as anger or excitement.
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| turmoil |
Refers to a state of great confusion, disorder, or uncertainty. Can describe feelings or a broader situation.
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Examples of usage
- There was panic in the stadium when the loud noise was heard.
- The panic in the crowd caused chaos as people tried to escape.
reaction
To feel or cause to feel a sudden overwhelming fear or anxiety.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| panic |
Used when someone feels sudden, overwhelming fear that may cause them to lose control. It can describe both emotional and physical reactions.
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| freak out |
A colloquial expression often used informally to describe a strong, sometimes unexpected emotional reaction, which could include surprise, fear, or excitement. It can carry a mildly amused or derogatory tone.
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| worry |
Describes a state of being anxious or concerned about something, often over an extended period. It can be less intense than panic or distress.
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| distress |
Typically used to describe a state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain, often due to a difficult situation. This word often indicates a prolonged or intense period of emotional or physical suffering.
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Examples of usage
- She panicked when she saw the spider on the wall.
- The news of the earthquake panicked the residents.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Panic attacks can occur spontaneously and sometimes without any apparent trigger, often leading to feelings of helplessness.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often effective for treating panic disorders, helping individuals manage and reduce their anxiety.
- Physiologically, panic responses involve the 'fight or flight' reaction, leading to rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Pop Culture
- Panic! At The Disco, a popular band, took their name from the word, emphasizing emotions that resonate with youth experiences.
- Movies like 'Panic Room' and 'Panic' explore themes of fear and survival, highlighting how panic can influence actions in stressful situations.
- The phrase 'panic buying' became widely known during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic when people rushed to store shelves.
History
- Panic has played significant roles in historical events, such as during stock market crashes, leading to widespread financial fear and actions.
- The 'Panic of 1837' in the U.S. was a major economic crisis that resulted in numerous bank failures and a significant depression.
- In ancient times, soldiers would often experience panic while engaging in battle, which could lead to chaotic retreat or surrenders.
Literature
- Many authors, including Edgar Allan Poe, have explored themes of panic in their works, illustrating human anxiety in dire situations.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often exhibit panic, reflecting the tragic consequences of fear-driven actions.
- Modern novels often depict characters facing panic in psychological thrillers, emphasizing inner turmoil and existential dread.
Origin of 'panic'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'panic' comes from the Greek god Pan, who was believed to cause sudden, irrational fear in humans.
- Originally, it was used to describe the fear induced by Pan's presence in the wilderness, especially among shepherds.
- The term began appearing in English literature around the late 17th century, emphasizing the irrational nature of some fears.
The word 'panic' originated from the Greek god Pan. According to Greek mythology, Pan would cause sudden, irrational fear in travelers in the woods. This association with sudden fear led to the word 'panic' being used to describe overwhelming fear or anxiety.