Definition

Noun: A sudden, intense episode of overwhelming fear, anxiety, and physical distress that peaks within minutes. It is a discrete period of intense discomfort or fear, typically accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or trembling.

Usage

The term "panic attack" is used to describe a specific, acute psychological and physiological event. It functions as a countable noun and is often modified by adjectives like "sudden," "severe," or "unexpected." It is a clinical term but is also used in general language.

Examples

• She had a panic attack during the crowded meeting and had to leave the room.
• The first panic attack can be a terrifying experience, as the symptoms often feel like a heart attack.
• His doctor explained that recurring panic attacks could be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a panic attack": This is the most common construction for describing the experience.
  • I thought I was going to have a panic attack when I saw the spider.
• "to trigger/set off a panic attack": Used to describe the cause of the episode.
  • The loud noise triggered a sudden panic attack.
• "full-blown panic attack": Emphasizes an attack that is fully developed and severe.
  • What started as mild anxiety quickly escalated into a full-blown panic attack.

Variants and Related Words

• Panic (noun/verb): The core feeling of sudden, uncontrollable fear. A "panic attack" is a specific manifestation of panic.
  • Noun: There was panic in the streets during the blackout.
  • Verb: Don't panic; we will find a solution.
• Anxiety attack (noun): Often used interchangeably with "panic attack" in casual conversation, though clinically, an anxiety attack may build more gradually and be less intense than a panic attack.

Synonyms

• Anxiety attack: A similar episode of intense anxiety (see note in Variants).
• Fear episode: A more general, descriptive term.
• Acute anxiety: A clinical description of the state.

Related Phrases

• Panic disorder (noun): A mental health condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about having more attacks.
  • She was diagnosed with panic disorder after experiencing several unexplained panic attacks.

Noun

1. a sudden attack of fear