panic attack
noun
plural panic attacks
: a sudden feeling or episode of panic
specifically
: a brief episode of intense fear or dread that is of sudden onset and typically subsides within 30 minutes, usually occurs for no apparent reason but may sometimes be associated with an identifiable triggering stimulus (such as an existing phobia), and is accompanied by a sense of unreality and impending loss of control and by various debilitating physical symptoms (such as increased heart rate, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath)
Those undergoing a panic attack often believe they are suffering a heart attack or some other illness. —
Lillian Lee Kim
Lillian Lee Kim Agoraphobia is a fear only of fear itself, that is, of any situation where help would be unavailable and escape difficult in case of a panic attack. —The Harvard Mental Health Letter
compare anxiety attack
The Harvard Mental Health Letter Examples of panic attack in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Perhaps to reduce potential panic attacks, Microsoft removed the frowny face from the alert and the QR code that redirects users to the BSOD troubleshooting page.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
My journey from experiencing panic attacks as a teenager to leading a mental health company has given me unique insights into the importance of mental well-being.
—David Ko, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Who knew when Tony Soprano sat down to talk to his therapist about panic attacks that a cultural phenomenon would come from it?
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
Culling season was over, but Alyssa woke up to panic attacks for months.
—Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for panic attack
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
My journey from experiencing panic attacks as a teenager to leading a mental health company has given me unique insights into the importance of mental well-being.
—David Ko, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Who knew when Tony Soprano sat down to talk to his therapist about panic attacks that a cultural phenomenon would come from it?
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
Culling season was over, but Alyssa woke up to panic attacks for months.
—Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for panic attack
Cite this Entry
“Panic attack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panic%20attack. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share