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panic

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈpænɪk/

Forms: panicked, panicking

panic means: Sudden, very strong fear that makes it difficult to think or act calmly.

noun

EXTREME FEARB1

Sudden, very strong fear that makes it difficult to think or act calmly.

  • I felt a sudden panic.
  • The fire alarm caused panic in the crowd.
  • She searched for her missing child in a panic.

How to use it: in a panic (He left the building in a panic.)

Similar words: terror, fright

Opposites: calm

Common phrases: in a panic, panic attack, cause panic, widespread panic

verb

FEEL EXTREME FEARB1

To feel, or make someone feel, sudden strong fear that stops clear thinking.

  • Don't panic; we are safe.
  • I panicked when I lost my phone.
  • The sudden noise panicked the horses.

How to use it: panic about/over something (He is panicking about tomorrow's exam.); panic someone into doing something (The warning panicked them into selling their shares.)

Similar words: freak out, terrify

Opposites: calm down

Common phrases: panic about something, panic over something, panic someone

Questions about panic

What does panic mean?

Sudden, very strong fear that makes it difficult to think or act calmly.

What is panic in other languages?

Türkçe: panik · Español: pánico · Français: panique · Deutsch: Panik · Italiano: panico · 日本語: パニック

How do you pronounce panic?

It is pronounced /ˈpænɪk/.

How do you use panic in a sentence?

I felt a sudden panic. The fire alarm caused panic in the crowd.

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Phrases with panic

panic in other languages

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