# panicky

/ˈpænɪki/ (US) · /pˈænɪkˌi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/panicky
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

feeling sudden strong fear that makes it hard to think clearly. You use it when someone acts fast and nervous because they feel scared.

For teachers: experiencing or expressing sudden, uncontrolled fear or anxiety that impairs clear thought. Often describes hurried, irrational behaviour arising from alarm.

## Examples

- She feels panicky before every flight.
- He grows panicky in heavy traffic and starts checking his phone for another route.
- Left alone in the unfamiliar station as the last train departed, she fought a panicky urge to run after strangers for help.

## Synonyms

panicked

## Antonyms

calm

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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.