anxiety attack
nounUK /æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti əˈtæk/
US /æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti əˈtæk/
A sudden strong feeling of being very scared or worried, even when there is no real danger.
She had an anxiety attack before her speech and had to sit down and breathe slowly.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A short period of intense fear that makes the heart beat fast and the body shake.
During the anxiety attack, his hands trembled and he felt dizzy.
3. A sudden rush of worried thoughts that feels hard to control.
The exam triggered an anxiety attack, and she could not stop thinking about failing.
4. A medical term for a brief episode of overwhelming apprehension and physical symptoms.
The doctor explained that an anxiety attack can cause chest tightness and shortness of breath.