general panic

USAGE SUMMARY

"general panic" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a widespread feeling of fear or alarm. For example, "The news of the incoming hurricane caused a general panic among the coastal communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

General panic ensued.

The Guardian - Sport

This tends to happen at moments of general panic, as investors attempt to reduce their leverage.

The Economist

Their players, coach and offense are dissected, the inane trade rumors swirl and general panic abounds.

The New York Times - Sports

But Goodwin says that no one is served by a general panic.

The Guardian

It's that time of year again... nerves, cheat sheets and general panic.

The Guardian

These mutilations caused a general panic, and Andocides was induced to turn informer on the guilty persons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The severity of this disease with its high fatality rate and its awful hemorrhagic symptoms has been largely emphasized by mass media, thus generating panic in the general population and, most of all, healthcare providers who are the category at highest risk of secondary cases.

BioMed Research International

The loss of General Slocum, panic of 1907, murder of Herman Rosenthal, Black Tom Explosion, doings of H.K. Thaw, etc.

The New Yorker

Mr Graham spoke of a "general mandarin panic" and warned that diluting the Act risked taking Britain back to the "dark ages" and undermining democracy.

Independent

The fear that these banks would start dumping their positions simultaneously, a move that could have triggered a general financial panic, prompted the Fed to intervene.

The New Yorker

Instead, a new regime is created to put big institutions into what is hoped to be an orderly receivership that avoids a general financial panic, something that unfortunately happened when Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy in September 2008.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "general panic" to vividly describe situations where fear and alarm spread rapidly through a population, such as after a natural disaster or during an economic crisis.

Common error

Avoid using "general panic" to describe minor inconveniences or slight anxieties; reserve it for truly widespread and significant fear responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general panic" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of widespread fear and alarm, as seen in Ludwig's examples where events trigger this collective emotional response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general panic" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that effectively conveys a state of widespread fear and chaos. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase serves to emphasize the intensity and scope of alarm within a population. While versatile, it is best reserved for describing substantial events that trigger significant fear responses, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives such as "widespread alarm" and "mass hysteria" offer nuanced variations for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread alarm

Focuses on the alarm aspect, emphasizing its broad reach rather than the chaotic element.

collective fear

Highlights the shared feeling of fear within a group.

nationwide scare

Highlights that fear is across the entire nation.

mass hysteria

Implies a loss of control among a large group of people.

wholesale fright

Emphasizes a sudden, intense fear affecting a large group.

public frenzy

Emphasizes the uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior of the public.

overall anxiety

Focuses on the widespread feeling of worry and unease.

communal dread

Highlights a shared sense of impending doom or misfortune.

popular apprehension

Stresses the public's anxious anticipation of something negative.

societal chaos

Emphasizes the disorder and confusion within a society.

FAQs

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

You can use "general panic" to describe a situation where widespread fear and alarm occur, like: "The news of the earthquake caused "general panic" among the residents."

What are some alternatives to "general panic"?

Alternatives to "general panic" include "widespread alarm", "mass hysteria", or "collective fear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "general panic" or "widespread fear"?

"General panic" suggests a more chaotic and uncontrolled reaction than "widespread fear", which simply indicates that many people are afraid. Use "general panic" when the situation involves disarray and loss of composure.

What causes "general panic"?

"General panic" can be triggered by various events that create widespread fear and uncertainty, such as natural disasters, economic crises, or public health emergencies.