Synonyms

panic-stricken

American

[pan-ik-strik-uhn] / ˈpæn ɪkˌstrɪk ən /

Also panic-struck

adjective

overcome with, characterized by, or resulting from fear, panic, or the like.

panic-stricken parents looking for their child; a panic-stricken phone call.

panic-stricken British

adjective

affected by panic

"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

Etymology

Origin of panic-stricken

First recorded in 1795–1805

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.

Just as her panic-stricken mother insisted on going for outside help, she moaned.

From Literature

It seemed an age before the high-pitched screeching sound had died and the panic-stricken creatures had departed.

From Literature

But the great Dutchman has also struggled badly, as proved by his panic-stricken handball that gave away a penalty in the heavy Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.

From BBC

“Are you panic-stricken? Are your eyes wide? Do you look furtive?” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I heard this panic-stricken shout that caught my attention and then the tree came down.”

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023