# panicking

/ˈpænɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈænɪkɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/panicking
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "he was panicing" but "he was panicking" — Verbs ending in 'c' require a 'k' before adding '-ing' or '-ed' to maintain the hard 'k' sound.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a participial adjective; typically follows linking verbs or precedes the noun it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.