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.
panics
-
present tense formof panic (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
If a cat panics, Mathers said, anything could happen, including losing the pet.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
Until the railroad boom of the 18th century’s second half, the U.S. was actually lagging the U.K., owing to major panics in 1819 and 1837.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 3, 2026
Throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, the federal government stepped in repeatedly during banking panics to stabilize the system.
From Salon ● Apr. 28, 2026
Whenever somebody stares at Sasha-Jay Davies in a supermarket, she panics, thinking they recognise her face and are about to confront her.
From BBC ● Mar. 11, 2026
He starts coughing—hard—and everyone panics, rushing to get him water, tissues.
From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan
