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

I was seconds away from what was sure to be an impressive panic attack when Regan snapped her head up.

From Literature

At one point the immersion in words triggered a panic attack, “like I was hearing voices.”

From The Wall Street Journal

"Every time I do I have a panic attack, every day I am scared," she said.

From BBC

Fanning: I don’t know if I’ve had like a panic attack to that degree.

From Los Angeles Times

Being made to do something triggers a reaction, which can be a panic attack or meltdown or potentially aggression.

From BBC

Related Words

• spasm