panic
noun
a sudden overwhelming fear, with or without cause, that produces hysterical or irrational behavior, and that often spreads quickly through a group of persons or animals.
panicked
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past participleof panic.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof panic.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
panicnouna sudden overwhelming fear, with or without cause, that produces hysterical or irrational behavior, and that often spreads quickly through a group of persons or animals.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Santa Rosa resident Chara Brazley said she received a panicked call from her 24-year-old daughter who works at Ulta Beauty at the shopping center.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026
Peta says birds can become "frightened, disoriented and panicked" in stadium environments, putting themselves and fans at risk.
From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026
Dobson replied: "I can't recall anything specific that was said. I only remember the atmosphere and panicked, urgent. Feeling tense and confusing."
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
Strong shaking in Panama City, over 200 kilometers from the epicenter, sent panicked people pouring into the streets from the capital's numerous high-rise buildings.
From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026
For a moment she panicked, feeling the water surround her.
From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret
