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

Love, a power forward for the Miami Heat, experienced a public panic attack during a game and since then has been open about his challenges with anxiety. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 15 Oct. 2024

The man claims that the experience affected his mental health, triggering his PTSD from his military service and causing panic attacks and anxiety. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 Oct. 2024

Damn! Maggie leaves the barn to have a panic attack, and Donald talks her through it, which is nice. —James Grebey, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024

The memory of Christopher is enough to send Victor into a full panic attack. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 13 Oct. 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