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.

an instance, outbreak, or period of such fear.

Finance . a sudden widespread fear concerning financial affairs leading to credit contraction and widespread sale of securities at depressed prices in an effort to acquire cash.

Slang . someone or something that is considered hilariously funny

The comedian was an absolute panic.

of the nature of, caused by, or indicating panic

A wave of panic buying shook the stock market.

(of fear, terror, etc.) suddenly destroying the self-control and impelling to some frantic action.

( initial capital letter ) of or pertaining to the god Pan.

to affect with panic; terrify and cause to flee or lose self-control.

Slang . to keep (an audience or the like) highly amused.

to be stricken with panic; become frantic with fear

The herd panicked and stampeded.

noun

calm , collectedness , confidence , contentment , security

verb

be calm , be content

noun

agitation , alarm , cold feet * , confusion , consternation , crush , dismay , dread , fear , frenzy , horror , hysteria , jam , rush , scare , stampede , terror , trepidation , black monday , bust , crash , depression , rainy day , slump , affright , apprehension , fearfulness , fright , funk , absurdity

verb

alarm , become hysterical , be terror-stricken , chicken out * , clutch , come apart , freeze up , go to pieces * , have a fit , lose it , lose nerve , overreact , push panic button , run scared , scare , shake in boots , stampede , startle , terrify , unnerve , affright , scarify , terrorize , anxiety , chaos , confusion , consternation , crash , dismay , dread , fear , frenzy , hysteria , slump , terror , trepidation