Pan″ic, n. [Gr. τὸ πανικόν (with or without δει̑μα fear): cf. F. panique. See Panic, a.] 1. A sudden, overpowering fright; esp., a sudden and groundless fright; terror inspired by a trifling cause or a misapprehension of danger; as, the troops were seized with a panic; they fled in a panic.
2. By extension: A sudden widespread fright or apprehension concerning financial affairs.