Cool MatePanic vs Terror
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Panic
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Terror
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B2noun
Most formal: Terror
| Panic | Terror | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈpænɪk//🇺🇸 //ˈpænɪk// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈterə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈterər/"]/ |
| Meaning | A sudden feeling of fear or anxiety. | Great fear or panic. |
| Example | When the fire alarm went off, there was panic in the crowd. | The city was gripped by terror after the unexpected attack. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | feel panic, sense panic, cause panic, in a panic, overcome with panic | abject, absolute, pure, be filled with, feel, have, from terror, in terror, out of terror, a state of terror, strike terror into (the heart of) somebody, political, state, global, resort to, use, combat, campaign, war, plot, an act of terror, a campaign of terror, a reign of terror |
| Antonyms | calm, composure, peace | calm, peace, tranquility |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'anxiety'—panic is more sudden and intense., Using 'panics' incorrectly as a verb form., Overusing in casual conversations when fear isn't intense. | Confused with 'terrorize' (verb form)., Using in casual contexts where 'fear' would be better., Mispronouncing, especially the first syllable. |
| Usage notes | Use 'panic' to describe intense, sudden fear. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it lightly in serious situations. | Often used in serious contexts, such as discussing violence or fear. Less appropriate in light-hearted conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Panic vs Terror
What's the difference between Panic and Terror?
Panic: A sudden feeling of fear or anxiety. Terror: Great fear or panic.
Which is more formal: Panic and Terror?
Terror is the most formal of these.
Are Panic and Terror the same CEFR level?
Panic: B2, Terror: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Panic and Terror interchangeably?
Not always. Panic and Terror are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.