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

Butterfly Hug Originally developed to help hurricane survivors process trauma, the butterfly hug is an easy self-soothing technique that can help with stress, anxiety and panic attacks. —Noma Nazish, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Her co-star Riley Keough knew what was going on and guided Temple through it, but Temple has continued to have panic attacks throughout the years, often for no discernible reason at all. —Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2024

Michelle struggled over the years with panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and intimacy issues. —Stephanie Warsmith and Paula Schleis, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024

He was summoned to the site of his panic attacks to host SNL in 2005 and 2006, and was able to make it inside the building both times. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

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