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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eleven current and former employees spoke with the Swedish paper, describing panic attacks and trips home from the office in tears. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024 Ko’s personal journey from experiencing panic attacks as a teenager to leading Calm has given him unique insights into the importance of mental health. Forbes Partner Releases, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Songs from all these ladies have landed on the list below, along with a banger about a panic attack, a diss track for the ages, and so much more. EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024 However, there are differences between panic attacks and heart attacks, including:8 Panic attacks usually come on suddenly, peak in 10 minutes, and are accompanied by intense fear or a sense of doom. Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for panic attack 

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of panic attack was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near panic attack

Cite this Entry

“Panic attack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panic%20attack. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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