1. 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).
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
panicky adj.
Etymology: F panique f. mod.L panicus f. Gk panikos f. Pan a rural god causing terror 2. n. any grass of the genus Panicum, including millet and other cereals.
Etymology: OE f. L panicum f. panus thread on bobbin, millet-ear f. Gk penos web