n. & v.
n. 1 a sudden uncontrollable fear or alarm. b (attrib.) characterized or caused by panic (panic buying). 2 infectious apprehension or fright esp. in commercial dealings.
v.tr. & intr. (panicked, panicking) (often foll. by into) affect or be affected with panic (was panicked into buying). panic button a button for summoning help in an emergency. panic-monger a person who fosters a panic. panic stations a state of emergency. panic-stricken (or -struck) affected with panic; very apprehensive. panicky adj.
[ F panique f. mod.L panicus f. Gk panikos f. Pan a rural god causing terror ]