Showing results for panicking.

panicking

VERB

become, make afraid or distressed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

lose it overreact scare

STRONG

alarm clutch stampede startle terrify unnerve

WEAK

be terror-stricken become hysterical chicken out come apart freeze up go to pieces have a fit lose nerve push panic button run scared shake in boots

Antonyms

STRONG

calm

WEAK

be calm be content

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Markets that had been panicking recovered once they knew the Fed would stand behind them.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

"If I came out and she was panicking I would have been under the pump."

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Moyes is certainly not panicking, although he now insists he wants Dibling to improve.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

Even if the market hasn’t crashed, this multi-week decline shows persistent selling pressure, not just a one-time shock, as investors gradually de-risk rather than panicking all at once.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

The Great Tohoku Earthquake struck during the workday, and after the shaking stopped, the first impulse of many residents, panicking because of the unusual strength of the earthquake, was to head for home.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland