Definition

1. Adjective / Adverb:

   • To be in a state of panic or extreme fright: Describes a sudden, overwhelming feeling of fear or alarm that causes disorganized thought or action.
   • To be flustered or frantic: Refers to a state of agitated confusion, often due to a sudden scare or urgent situation.

2. Verb (less common):

   • To panic: The act of becoming suddenly and intensely frightened.

Usage Examples

• Adjective / Adverb:
  • Nghe tiếng nổ, mọi người hốt hoảng bỏ chạy. (Hearing the explosion, everyone panicked and ran away.)
  • Cô ấy trả lời một cách hốt hoảng khi bị giáo viên gọi đột ngột. (She answered in a flustered manner when the teacher called on her suddenly.)
• Verb:
  • Đừng hốt hoảng, hãy bình tĩnh! (Don't panic, stay calm!)

Advanced Usage

• The word often implies a loss of composure and a reactive, rather than thoughtful, response to a frightening stimulus. It describes a more intense and visible state of alarm than simple fear ("sợ").

Variants and Related Words

• Hoảng hốt (adj/adv): A close synonym, also meaning to be panic-stricken or startled.
  • Nó hoảng hốt khi nhìn thấy con rắn. (He was startled when he saw the snake.)
• Hoảng loạn (adj/adv): Suggests widespread panic or chaos, often on a larger scale.
  • Đám đông rơi vào tình trạng hoảng loạn. (The crowd fell into a state of panic.)

Synonyms

• Panic: A sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety.
• Frightened out of one's wits: Extremely scared.
• Flustered: Agitated or confused.

Related Idioms

• Mặt tái mét, hốt hoảng: To have a pale, panic-stricken face.
  • Thấy cảnh sát, tên trộm mặt tái mét, hốt hoảng. (Seeing the police, the thief's face turned pale with panic.)
• Hốt hoảng như gà mắc tóc: To panic like a chicken with its feathers tangled; to be in a complete, confused panic.
  • Mất hộ chiếu, anh ta hốt hoảng như gà mắc tóc. (Losing his passport, he panicked completely.)

verb

1. to be frightened out of one's wits