panic-stricken

adjective

pan·​ic-strick·​en ˈpa-nik-ˌstri-kən How to pronounce panic-stricken (audio)
: overcome with panic

Examples of panic-stricken 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.
That afternoon, another detainee called her with a message that left her panic-stricken: Her son, 25-year-old Yoiker David Sequera, had been taken away to a notorious offshore prison. Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025 These are not the first crew members to be panic-stricken by a stray rat today. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of panic-stricken was in 1766

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Cite this Entry

“Panic-stricken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panic-stricken. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

panic-stricken

adjective
pan·​ic-strick·​en
ˈpan-ik-ˌstrik-ən
: overcome with panic

More from Merriam-Webster on panic-stricken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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