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.

adjective

aghast , apprehensive , fearful , fearsome , funky