Word
panicking
Phoneticspan·ick·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpænɪkɪŋ/
UK/pˈænɪkɪŋ/
Definition
adj. feeling a sudden, strong fear that makes it hard to think clearly or act sensibly. You use this to describe someone who is losing control because they are very worried.
adj. experiencing a sudden, overwhelming feeling of terror or anxiety that prevents logical thought. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'become'.
Examples
“The panicking crowd ran toward the exit.”
“The hiker tried to stay calm, but he felt himself becoming panicking when he realized the sun was setting.”
“In the wake of the sudden market crash, panicking investors began selling off their shares indiscriminately, which only served to accelerate the downward spiral of prices.”
Examples
simple
“The panicking crowd ran toward the exit.”
contextual
“The hiker tried to stay calm, but he felt himself becoming panicking when he realized the sun was setting.”
complex
“In the wake of the sudden market crash, panicking investors began selling off their shares indiscriminately, which only served to accelerate the downward spiral of prices.”
Usage
Often functions as a participial adjective; typically follows linking verbs or precedes the noun it modifies.
Pitfall
he was panicing
he was panicking
Verbs ending in 'c' require a 'k' before adding '-ing' or '-ed' to maintain the hard 'k' sound.
Real-World Examples
“Lorna said: "They thought she was maybe panicking and couldn't catch her breath.” “Tottenham is one of those clubs that never actually stops panicking.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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