1. sudden overwhelming fear that produces hysterical or irrational behavior
2. sudden widespread fear concerning financial affairs causing unreasoning efforts to secure money
Usage: economics

1. to affect with panic
2. to be affected with panic

Examples

• She felt a wave of panic when she realized she was lost.
• The fire alarm caused panic among the students.
• The stock market panic of 1929 led to the Great Depression.
• Don’t panic if you can’t find your keys immediately.
• The loud noise panicked the horses.
• He tends to panic under pressure during exams.
• The crowd began to panic when smoke filled the theater.