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Definition of panicky

panicky

/ˈpæn.ɪ.ki/
pan · ick · y
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panicky Lexical Profile

panicky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Feeling, showing, or characterized by sudden, uncontrollable fear or anxiety.

Example

"The passengers grew panicky when the train came to an abrupt halt inside the dark tunnel."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for panicky
Antonyms
View all antonyms for panicky

Word Nuance & Usage

Because 'panic' ends in a 'c' pronounced as /k/, a 'k' must be inserted before the suffix '-y' to preserve the hard /k/ sound, yielding 'panicky' rather than 'panicy'.

• Nearby Words

panhandle
panhandler
panic
panicky
panini
panj
panko

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century from the noun 'panic' plus the adjectival suffix '-y'; 'panic' itself traces back to the Ancient Greek god Pan, who was believed to cause sudden, groundless terror in lonely places.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Panicky. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/panicky
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