Emotions / A2

PAN-ik/ˈpænɪk/

Panic is sudden strong fear that blocks clear thought: in a panic, a moment of panic, don’t panic (also a verb). Fear is the wider feeling; panic is sharp and sudden. Calm down is the useful contrast phrase. Panic can be a verb (they panicked). Do not write panic when you mean picnic, or attic.

Meaning

A sudden strong feeling of fear that makes it hard to think clearly.

Examples

• “There was a short panic when someone shouted “Fire!”.”
• “Don’t panic — we still have twenty minutes to the gate.”
• “There was panic in the queue when the screens went blank.”

Good to know

in a panic / don’t panic. Wider: fear. Verb: panic / panicked. Mix-up: picnic.

Topics

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