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How to Say "panic" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “panic” is “pánico” — use 'pánico' for a sudden, overwhelming feeling of fear in an individual or group, often leading to irrational behavior.

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pánico

nounB1general
Use 'pánico' for a sudden, overwhelming feeling of fear in an individual or group, often leading to irrational behavior.

Examples

Cuando vio el humo, entró en pánico y no supo qué hacer.

When he saw the smoke, he panicked and didn't know what to do.

alarma

ah-LAHR-mahaˈlaɾma

nounB1general
Choose 'alarma' to describe a state of sudden fear or anxiety, often caused by an external event, that affects a group or society.
A cartoon drawing of a young child looking very scared, with wide eyes and their hands held up near their chest.

Examples

La caída de la bolsa causó una gran alarma social.

The stock market crash caused great social alarm (worry).

El doctor dijo que no había motivo para la alarma.

The doctor said there was no cause for alarm.

Trató de no mostrar alarma ante la situación.

He tried not to show panic (alarm) given the situation.

Using 'Causar'

When talking about an event creating this feeling, use the verb 'causar' (to cause): 'El ruido causó alarma entre los vecinos'.

terror

teh-ROHRteˈror

nounB1general
Use 'terror' when the fear is extremely intense and overwhelming, often associated with a frightening experience or threat.
A small, simple character with very wide eyes and a distressed expression is clutching their face with their hands, illustrating extreme, intense fear.

Examples

El terremoto causó un terror generalizado entre la población.

The earthquake caused widespread terror among the population.

Sentí un terror horrible cuando se apagaron todas las luces.

I felt a horrible dread when all the lights went out.

La película de terror me mantuvo despierto toda la noche.

The horror movie kept me awake all night.

Using 'Tener' vs. 'Sentir'

You can use the verb 'tener' (to have) or 'sentir' (to feel) with 'terror': 'Tengo terror' (I have terror) or 'Siento terror' (I feel terror). Both are very common.

Gender Error

Mistake: “La terror”

Correction: El terror. Although it ends in '-or', 'terror' is always a masculine noun, so use 'el' or 'un'.

psicosis

see-KOH-seessiˈkosis

nounB2general
Opt for 'psicosis' when referring to a widespread, irrational fear or hysteria within a society, especially when it's contagious or collective.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a person seeing a friendly floating purple dragon that isn't really there, representing a different reality.

Examples

El médico explicó que la psicosis puede ser tratada con terapia.

The doctor explained that psychosis can be treated with therapy.

Se desató una psicosis colectiva después de los rumores de escasez.

A collective panic broke out after the rumors of shortages.

No dejes que la psicosis por el examen te impida dormir.

Don't let the exam-related hysteria keep you from sleeping.

A Word That Stays the Same

This word doesn't change when it becomes plural. You say 'la psicosis' for one and 'las psicosis' for many.

Always Feminine

Even though it doesn't end in 'a', this word is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Gender Error

Mistake: “El psicosis es un problema serio.”

Correction: La psicosis es un problema serio. (Because the word is feminine).

Pánico vs. Alarma

Learners often confuse 'pánico' and 'alarma'. Remember that 'pánico' usually describes the intense, personal feeling of fear and loss of control, while 'alarma' often refers to the resulting state of widespread worry or public concern caused by an event.

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