panic attack

noun

plural panic attacks

: a sudden feeling or episode of panic

specifically : a brief episode of intense fear or dread that is of sudden onset and typically subsides within 30 minutes, usually occurs for no apparent reason but may sometimes be associated with an identifiable triggering stimulus (such as an existing phobia), and is accompanied by a sense of unreality and impending loss of control and by various debilitating physical symptoms (such as increased heart rate, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath)

Those undergoing a panic attack often believe they are suffering a heart attack or some other illness.

—Lillian Lee Kim

Agoraphobia is a fear only of fear itself, that is, of any situation where help would be unavailable and escape difficult in case of a panic attack.

—The Harvard Mental Health Letter

compare anxiety attack

Examples of panic attack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When my cousin, Ariel (who is on an SSRI) was having panic attacks before having to present over Zoom, her doctor recommended trying beta blockers. —Aviel Kanter, Glamour, 10 Mar. 2025

Lucas attempted to soldier on but experienced a panic attack and Ben Warren (Jason George) was forced to calm him down. —Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025

Paramount Theatre, March 8, 11 a.m. Fantasy Life After losing his job as a paralegal, Sam Stein suffers a panic attack and stumbles into a job babysitting his psychiatrist’s three granddaughters. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025

In what plays like a 15-minute panic attack, the brothers observe a husband and wife (William Martinez and Victoria Ratermanis) rushing to make a mandatory immigration interview, dragging their adorable young daughter through the ringer. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for panic attack

• ammoniac
• biofeedback
• counterattack
• demoniac
• elegiac
• noncardiac
• paranoiac
• aback
• anzac
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback

Medical Definition

panic attack

noun

: an episode of intense fear or apprehension that is of sudden onset and may occur for no apparent reason or as a reaction to an identifiable triggering stimulus (as a stressful event)

specifically : one that is accompanied by usually four or more bodily or cognitive symptoms (as heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or feelings of unreality) and that typically peaks within 10 minutes of onset