seized by panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seized by panic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety that takes control of someone. Example: "As the loud noise echoed through the hall, she was seized by panic and couldn't think straight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She was seized by panic attacks.

The Guardian

Bicycling to the hospital, Marsh is oppressed by dread — "almost a feeling of doom" — and, before surgery, he is often seized by panic, which is swept away, at the last moment, by "fierce and happy concentration".

The New Yorker

For a time Everton were seized by panic and for about four minutes they were down to nine men when Kevin Mirallas disappeared to the dressing room, probably to go to the loo.

Independent

She ran down the hall, seized by panic.

Los Angeles Times

They were seized by panic and some even demanded the closing of all schools to halt the spread of subversive doctrines.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His stepmother was seized by a panic attack and appeared to be hyperventilating.

The Guardian

The cocksure Clough of legend (and TV self-presentation) shapes our sense of this character's precarious grip on his fate, seized by the panic (or occasionally euphoria) of the moment.

The Guardian - Books

But the governors of America's Federal Reserve seem to have been seized by a sudden panic about inflation.

The Economist

As the nation gets richer, why are we seized by a spasm of panic that says we can no longer afford a good NHS, social care, education, skills or modern infrastructure?

The Guardian - Opinion

What can a central banker do when faced with investors who are seized by fear, engaged in panic selling and driven "by animals spirits that defy maths".

Huffington Post

EU governments have been seized by a rising sense of panic, desperate for the numbers of arrivals to slow down while all the evidence points in the opposite direction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seized by panic" to vividly describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear that takes control of an individual or group. It adds a sense of immediacy and loss of control to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "seized by panic" when you intend to describe a controlled or deliberate action. This phrase specifically conveys a lack of control and an overwhelming emotional response. If you aim to highlight control or deliberate action, rephrase it using active voice or a different verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seized by panic" functions as a descriptive element, often used to depict a character's or group's sudden and overwhelming emotional state. Ludwig shows examples where it's used to illustrate loss of control in various situations, from personal anxieties to broader social disturbances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seized by panic" effectively describes a sudden and overwhelming surge of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While "Uncommon" in frequency, it vividly conveys a loss of control, making it a valuable tool for descriptive writing. The phrase is commonly used in news and media, reflecting its relevance in describing real-world events and emotional responses. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "overcome by fear" or "gripped by terror", depending on the desired nuance. When writing, use "seized by panic" to accurately depict situations where individuals or groups are suddenly overwhelmed by fear, avoiding its use in contexts that require a sense of control or deliberate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

panic-stricken

A more concise adjective form expressing the same state.

overcome by fear

Emphasizes the feeling of fear taking control.

engulfed in panic

Suggests being completely surrounded and overwhelmed by panic.

gripped by terror

Highlights the intensity and severity of the fear.

paralyzed by fear

Highlights the immobilizing effect of intense fear.

frozen with fright

Similar to paralyzed, emphasizing sudden and complete fear.

stricken with anxiety

Focuses on the anxiety component of the experience.

consumed by dread

Implies a more prolonged and pervasive feeling of apprehension.

lost to all sense of reason

Describes the state of being out of control due to the panic.

in a state of alarm

A more general expression of heightened anxiety and fear.

FAQs

How can I use "seized by panic" in a sentence?

You can use "seized by panic" to describe a situation where someone is suddenly overcome with fear and loses control. For example, "When the fire alarm went off, the crowd was "seized by panic" and rushed towards the exits."

What's a more formal alternative to "seized by panic"?

A more formal alternative could be "overcome by anxiety" or "gripped by terror". These phrases convey a similar meaning but might be more suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is "seized with panic" the same as "seized by panic"?

While similar, "seized with panic" and "seized by panic" have slightly different nuances. "Seized by panic" suggests an external force causing the panic, while "seized with panic" emphasizes the internal experience of panic. Both are acceptable, but consider the specific context to choose the more appropriate phrasing.

What words usually follow "seized by panic"?

Typically, "seized by panic" is followed by a description of the actions or reactions that result from the panic, such as "seized by panic and ran" or "seized by panic, they froze."