Panik

Panik is a term used in several languages to denote a sudden, intense state of fear or anxiety, closely related to the English word panic. In Turkish, Indonesian, Malay, and German-speaking regions, panik is used as a common loanword for this experience, appearing in everyday speech, media, and medical terminology. In Turkish, panik is often paired with atak to describe a panic attack (panik atak).

Linguistic usage and variations: The word panik in these languages generally carries the same core meaning as panic, emphasizing abrupt, overwhelming fear rather than a prolonged mood. The term is typically borrowed from the English word or developed within those language communities to fit their phonology, resulting in the familiar final -ik ending in many cases.

Clinical and psychological context: In medical and psychological contexts, panic—whether described as panik in those languages or as panic in English—refers to an acute stress response that can occur as part of panic attacks. A panic attack is usually marked by a sudden surge of fear or discomfort with physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort, often reaching a peak within minutes. Panic can occur in the context of anxiety disorders, acute stress reactions, or as a standalone episode, and is typically addressed through psychological or psychiatric approaches.