Panic Meaning
Panic Definition & Usage
A sudden overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety, often resulting in irrational behavior.
Examples
- "She was overcome by panic when she realized she had lost her passport just before the flight."
- "In the panic of the fire drill, no one stopped to consider the actual danger."
- "The sudden loud noise caused a panic in the crowd, and people scrambled to find an exit."
- "He felt a wave of panic as he approached the stage, realizing he had forgotten his lines."
- "The pandemic created widespread panic among people, leading to shortages of essential supplies."
To experience a sudden, uncontrollable fear, often resulting in hasty or irrational actions.
Examples
- "She panicked when she couldn't find her phone in the dark."
- "People began to panic after hearing the news of the storm's path."
- "The driver panicked when the car started to skid on the icy road."
- "They panicked at the thought of missing the last train."
- "As the deadline approached, he panicked and started working in a frenzy."
A situation or event marked by widespread fear and chaos, typically due to an unexpected crisis.
Examples
- "The earthquake caused widespread panic across the city, with people rushing to find safety."
- "The announcement of the CEO's sudden departure led to panic among the company's employees."
- "The sudden drop in stock prices triggered a panic in the market, with many investors selling off shares."
- "The pandemic response caused panic in grocery stores, leading to empty shelves."
- "During the blackout, there was a moment of panic as people struggled to adjust."
Cultural Context
The word 'panic' is derived from the Greek god Pan, who was believed to cause sudden, irrational fear. It entered English in the 17th century and was originally associated with the mythical god's influence. Over time, its meaning expanded to describe a broad range of irrational, overwhelming fear experienced by individuals or groups in response to a perceived threat.
The Panic in the Streets
Story
The Panic in the Streets
It was a normal afternoon in the city until the loud siren blared from the public address system. At first, no one knew what was happening, but then the announcement came. The train station was being evacuated due to a gas leak in the area. The atmosphere instantly shifted. People stopped in their tracks, eyes wide, as confusion spread like wildfire. Some began to panic, rushing to the exits, knocking over chairs and tables in their haste. Others froze, unable to comprehend the gravity of the situation. Sarah, who had been sitting in the waiting area, felt a sudden rush of panic. Her heart raced as she stood up, fumbling for her phone. 'Is this real?' she asked herself, trying to assess whether the situation warranted the fear that was now bubbling up inside her. She looked around, noticing the growing tension in the crowd. A man nearby dropped his coffee and sprinted toward the stairs. Sarah's hands shook as she joined the crowd, moving toward the exit. As she approached the door, she saw a woman crying, her arms clutching her child. The panic in the woman’s eyes reflected her own inner turmoil, as if both were trapped in an uncontrollable wave of fear. Just as she was about to step outside, Sarah paused. The alarm went silent, and a calm voice came over the speakers, explaining that the leak was a false alarm. The panic that had consumed the station dissipated as quickly as it had arrived. People laughed nervously, shaking their heads at their own overreaction. As Sarah stepped out into the cool air, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. But she also wondered about the true nature of panic—how it could take over so quickly, turning an ordinary day into chaos. She decided that next time, she'd wait and assess the situation before following the crowd in panic.
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