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

He said at that point the girls "started panicking" and said he was following them.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Now a coolheaded town is rationally panicking that the Presidential visit has put a hex on a team that couldn’t lose.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 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

If he could keep the two trees together, he would be able to keep Abby from panicking.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret