panic attack

American  

noun

Psychiatry.

1. an intense attack of anxiety characterized by feelings of impending doom and trembling, sweating, pounding heart, and other physical symptoms.

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panic attack British  

noun

1. an episode of acute and disabling anxiety associated with such physical symptoms as hyperventilation and sweating See also panic disorder

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Example Sentences

Then the 25-year-old started experiencing unexplained symptoms including panic attacks, gastric issues and swollen, itchy eyes, which, she says, baffled her doctor.

From BBC

After Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in August indicated the government may take a stake in Lockheed Martin, other defense companies “went into a panic attack,” executives at competitors said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Redd, who said he suffered panic attacks behind the scenes, claimed his cast mates would talk about him behind his back and showed no concern for his health.

From Los Angeles Times

The 15-year-old student described the experience: "The floor felt bouncy, my vision went blurry and then I had a panic attack."

From BBC

"But during that period I was so low and I was having so many panic attacks, I thought I'd never be able to perform it," he says.

From BBC

Related Words

• spasm