panic-stricken

American  

[pan-ik-strik-uhn] / ˈpæn ɪkˌstrɪk ən /

Also panic-struck

adjective

1. overcome with, characterized by, or resulting from fear, panic, or the like.

   panic-stricken parents looking for their child; a panic-stricken phone call.

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panic-stricken British  

adjective

1. affected by panic

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Etymology

Origin of panic-stricken

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Investors waking up to volatile and panic-stricken markets on Monday may be surprised to discover that gold is now in negative territory for the year after a painful bout of profit-taking and deleveraging.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

“Are you panic-stricken? Are your eyes wide? Do you look furtive?” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025

Prosecutors argued that this left his poorly trained, panic-stricken crew effectively useless amid the fire, which possibly originated in a trash can some time after 2:35 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2024

People who are prone to fits of anger, who are occasionally panic-stricken, subject to bias, and sometimes overcome by irrationality.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2023

I was panic-stricken at the thought of losing sight of my guide.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals