I. ˈpa-nik adjective
Etymology: French panique, from Greek panikos, literally, of Pan, from Pan
Date: 1603
1. : of, relating to, or resembling the mental or emotional state believed induced by the god Pan
panic fear
2. : of, relating to, or arising from a panic
a wave of panic buying
3. : of or relating to the god Pan
II. noun
Date: 1708
1.
a. : a sudden overpowering fright ; also : acute extreme anxiety
b. : a sudden unreasoning terror often accompanied by mass flight
widespread panic in the streets
c. : a sudden widespread fright concerning financial affairs that results in a depression of values caused by extreme measures for protection of property (as securities)
2. slang : one that is very funny
Synonyms: see fear
• pan·icky ˈpa-ni-kē adjective
III. verb
( pan·icked -nikt ; pan·ick·ing )
Date: 1827
transitive verb
1. : to affect with panic
2. : to cause to laugh uproariously
panic an audience with a gag
intransitive verb
: to be affected with panic