Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

panic attack

American  

noun

Psychiatry.
  1. an intense attack of anxiety characterized by feelings of impending doom and trembling, sweating, pounding heart, and other physical symptoms.


panic attack British  

noun

  1. an episode of acute and disabling anxiety associated with such physical symptoms as hyperventilation and sweating See also panic disorder

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Every time I do I have a panic attack, every day I am scared," she said.

From BBC

Fanning: I don’t know if I’ve had like a panic attack to that degree.

From Los Angeles Times

Being made to do something triggers a reaction, which can be a panic attack or meltdown or potentially aggression.

From BBC

Now a bigger fan than ever, Amanda jokes that the famous theme song makes her have a "little panic attack" at the thought of it happening again.

From BBC

Khaleela said she had flashbacks to the night of Aman's death and suffers from panic attacks as a result of what has happened.

From BBC