panic

[[t]pæ̱nɪk[/t]]

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panics, panicking, panicked

1) N-VAR Panic is a very strong feeling of anxiety or fear, which makes you act without thinking carefully.

An earthquake has hit the capital, causing damage to buildings and panic among the population...

I phoned the doctor in a panic, crying that I'd lost the baby.

2) N-UNCOUNT: also a N Panic or a panic is a situation in which people are affected by a strong feeling of anxiety.

There was a moment of panic in Britain as it became clear just how vulnerable the nation was...

I'm in a panic about getting everything done in time.

...the wave of panic buying which broke out after the announcement of impending food price increases.

3) V-ERG If you panic or if someone panics you, you suddenly feel anxious or afraid, and act quickly and without thinking carefully.

Guests panicked and screamed when the bomb exploded...

[V n] The unexpected and sudden memory briefly panicked her...

[be V-ed into n] The Government has been panicked into giving us a promise to abolish it. [Also V n into n]