panic

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Finance Technical

n. a situation where many people suddenly try to sell things or take money out of banks because they are afraid.

n. a sudden, widespread financial crisis where investors sell assets rapidly due to fear of declining prices.

“The stock market panic of 1929 led to years of economic trouble.”

“The central bank intervened to provide liquidity and prevent the localized bank failure from turning into a national financial panic.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Computing Technical

n. a serious error that causes a computer system to stop working suddenly.

n. a critical system error, particularly in Unix-based operating systems, from which the kernel cannot recover.

“The server suffered a kernel panic after the new software was installed.”

“The system administrator spent the night investigating the logs to determine what hardware fault had triggered the recurring kernel panic.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to suddenly feel very worried or afraid so that you cannot think clearly.

v. to experience a sudden, overpowering feeling of fear or anxiety; often used without an object.

“Don't panic if you get lost; just stay where you are and call for help.”

“Investors began to panic as the currency lost value, selling off their holdings despite the government's pleas for calm.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to make someone else feel sudden fear or worry.

v. to cause someone to feel overwhelming fear or to act hastily due to fright; used with a direct object.

“The sudden loud noise panicked the horses in the field.”

“The false report of a gas leak panicked the residents, causing a chaotic evacuation of the entire apartment complex.”

C1 · Advanced Formal

adj. describing a feeling or action that comes from sudden, extreme fear.

adj. pertaining to or resulting from overwhelming fear or fright; typically used before a noun.

“She made a panic phone call to her parents when she couldn't find her passport.”

“The board made several panic decisions during the crisis that they later came to regret once the situation stabilized.”