panic

Pronunciation: US [ˈpænɪk] UK ['pænɪk]

Synonyms

n.	1. a sudden strong feeling of fear or worry that makes you unable to think clearly or calmly 2. a situation in which a lot of people are hurrying to do or get something because they are frightened or worried; used about things that people do when they are frightened or worried
v.	1. to have a sudden strong feeling of fear or worry and be unable to think clearly or calmly or decide what to do; to make someone feel great fear or worry so that they cannot think clearly or decide what to do

A panic selfishness, like that produced by fear.
Source: R. L. Stevenson
A radio dramatisation of H. G. Wells's 'War of the Worlds' panicked thousands throughout America.
Source: Daily Telegraph