panikos

Panikos, written πανικός in Greek, is a noun that means panic or a sudden, overpowering fear. In modern Greek it describes a rapid onset of fear or anxiety and can be used in everyday language as well as in clinical contexts. The related phrase κρίση πανικού denotes a panic attack, a specific episode of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms.

Etymology and origins: The term panikos is traditionally linked to the ancient Greek god Pan, whose loud and abrupt cries were said to instill fear in travelers and shepherds in rural areas. From Greek it influenced Latin and various European languages, contributing to the English word panic. The exact linguistic development is debated, but the mythic association with Pan has been enduring in the term’s history.

Usage and nuances: In psychology and medicine, panic refers to a sudden surge of intense fear, often with heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, and a sense of losing control. The Greek equivalent for such medical episodes is κρίση πανικού. In everyday language, panikos can describe any sudden or alarming fear, not necessarily of medical significance. The concept has also shaped common usage in English and other languages, linking cultural notions of sudden fear to the figure of Pan in classical mythology.

See also: Panic disorder, Panic attack, Greek language.