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
The panic attack came nine months after the former recreation director worked at the Park District’s July 4 parade, where seven people were killed and dozens more were injured during a mass shooting.
—Chloe Hilles, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2024
Again, my body tried to get my attention, this time with panic attacks.
—Elizabeth Bobrick, New York Times, 4 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for panic attack 
Chloe Hilles, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2024
Again, my body tried to get my attention, this time with panic attacks.
—Elizabeth Bobrick, New York Times, 4 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for panic attack
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'panic attack.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Panic attack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panic%20attack. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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