abject panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abject panic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme fear or distress, often in response to a sudden or overwhelming situation. Example: "When the fire alarm went off unexpectedly, there was abject panic among the crowd as people rushed to the exits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

With a wonderfully all-embracing vision, it allows for patriotism, abject panic and everything in between.

The New York Times

Stephanie is filled with self-doubt, and it's not clear whether that's a dose of healthy humility or abject panic.

Harvard Business Review

He has said: "I conceived it by the seat of my pants, in a state of abject panic every morning".

The Guardian

After one fall in 2012, when he was in his early 20s, Dorey felt something he had never felt before: abject panic.

The Washington Post

Could it not be fear of a similar scenario that is causing abject panic among the Blairites, accompanied by the inevitable monstering of Corbyn?

The Guardian

For that reason, abject panic hasn't set in.  .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

My parents reacted to the news the same way as when they heard about 9/11; abject horror and panicked phone calls to somebody on the other side of the country.

Vice

That was abject cowardice".

The New Yorker

Of all the abject illusions!

The New Yorker

Tyson wept, abject and philosophical.

The New Yorker

I was an abject jerk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abject panic" to describe situations where fear is not only intense but also humiliating or degrading, reflecting a complete loss of control.

Common error

Avoid using "abject panic" in contexts where mild or moderate anxiety is present. The phrase should be reserved for scenarios involving extreme distress and a sense of helplessness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abject panic" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "abject" modifies the noun "panic". It amplifies the intensity and severity of the panic, indicating a state of extreme fear and helplessness. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage effectively.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abject panic" describes a state of extreme fear and helplessness, often used in news and media to depict overwhelming emotional responses. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for formal and informal use, though it is best reserved for situations involving genuinely intense distress. While alternatives like "utter terror" and "extreme fear" exist, "abject panic" conveys a unique sense of degradation and loss of control. Use it judiciously to accurately represent the severity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute terror

Synonymous, using "absolute" instead of "abject" to modify "terror".

utter terror

Replaces "panic" with "terror" and "abject" with "utter", intensifying the sense of fear.

extreme fear

Uses more common terms to express the same sentiment of intense fright.

overwhelming fear

Highlights the feeling of being dominated by fear.

sheer dread

Substitutes "panic" with "dread" and "abject" with "sheer", focusing on anticipation of negative events.

consuming dread

Presents dread as an all-encompassing feeling.

complete alarm

Replaces "panic" with "alarm" and "abject" with "complete", suggesting total surprise and fear.

profound anxiety

Shifts the focus to severe anxiety rather than immediate panic.

deep-seated fright

Suggests the fear is profound and deeply rooted.

intense trepidation

Emphasizes apprehension and worry using more formal vocabulary.

FAQs

How can I use "abject panic" in a sentence?

Use "abject panic" to describe a state of extreme fear or distress, particularly when someone feels completely overwhelmed and helpless. For example: "The sudden blackout triggered "abject panic" among the passengers."

What phrases are similar to "abject panic"?

Alternatives to "abject panic" include "utter terror", "extreme fear", or "sheer dread", which all convey intense feelings of fear and anxiety.

Is "abject panic" a formal or informal expression?

"Abject panic" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. It is often found in news reports and literature to describe intense emotional states.

What's the difference between "abject panic" and "anxiety"?

"Abject panic" describes an immediate, overwhelming fear, whereas "anxiety" is a more general state of worry or unease that can persist over time. Panic is acute and intense, while anxiety is often chronic and less severe.