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.

French technology group 2CRSi’s stock tumbled more than 40% after accusations from a New York–based short seller — panicking retail investors in France, who sold other unrelated companies in the space.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 18, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 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

Fox wouldn’t stop touching her amulet, and Talis wouldn’t stop making bad jokes, which was what they always did when they were panicking but didn’t want Seven to know.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega