panic

/ˈpa-nik/

French panique, from Greek panikos, literally, of Pan, from Pan

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or resembling the mental or emotional state believed induced by the god Pan

  2. of, relating to, or arising from a panic

  3. of or relating to the god Pan

panic fear

noun

  1. a sudden overpowering fright; also : acute, extreme anxiety

  2. a sudden unreasoning terror often accompanied by mass flight

  3. a sudden widespread fright concerning financial affairs that results in a depression of values caused by extreme measures for protection of property (such as securities)

widespread panic in the streets

fear dread fright alarm panic terror trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger. fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

verb

  1. to affect with panic

  2. to cause to laugh uproariously

  3. to be affected with panic