Another Word for Panic

Mild · A little, in the background

fluster

A moment of confusion and rushing when caught off guard.

flurry

A burst of hurried activity and nerves.

jitters

Shaky nerves that are uncomfortable but manageable.

a start

A quick jolt of surprise or fear.

agitation

Restless, stirred-up nervousness.

a tizzy

Informal, a state of worried excitement.

nervousness

General unease before something happens.

Moderate · Clearly there, hard to ignore

alarm

Sudden fear when you realize something is wrong.

fright

A sharp scare, usually short-lived.

a scramble

Rushed, disorganized action under pressure.

a meltdown

Everyday word for losing composure under stress.

consternation

Alarmed confusion when things go unexpectedly wrong.

dismay

Shock and distress at bad news.

a cold sweat

Panic you notice in clammy skin and racing thoughts.

Intense · Strong, taking over

terror

Overwhelming fear that floods your thinking.

hysteria

Panic expressed as uncontrolled emotion.

a panic attack

A sudden surge with racing heart, short breath and fear.

horror

Panic mixed with shock at what is happening.

frenzy

Wild, uncontrolled activity driven by fear.

dread

Heavy fear of something you know is coming.

blind panic

Fear so total that you cannot think clearly.

I had a moment of panic when I lost my keys.

I was in a real fluster when I lost my keys at the door.

There was panic in the office over the deadline.

There was a scramble in the office over the deadline.

I felt panic when I saw the bill.

I felt genuine alarm when I saw the bill.

The panic on the train was intense.

I felt something close to terror when the train stopped in the tunnel.