Hello there! Let’s dive into the fascinating etymology of the word “panic.”

The word “panic” has its roots in ancient Greek mythology. It comes from the Greek god *Pan*, the wild god of shepherds, forests, and rustic music. According to legend, Pan was known for causing sudden, intense fear in people—especially when they wandered alone in the woods or encountered something unexpected. This feeling, which was often overwhelming and seemingly irrational, became known as “panic fear” or simply “panic.”

Here’s a quick look at how the word evolved:

1. **Ancient Greek**: The original Greek word was *panikon* (πανικόν), meaning “pertaining to Pan,” and it eventually came to signify the irrational fear or dread associated with him.

2. **Latin**: The word was borrowed into Latin as *panicus*, meaning “of Pan” or “panic.”

3. **French**: From Latin, it evolved in Old French as *panique* in the 14th century.

4. **English**: By the 17th century, *panique* had entered the English language as “panic,” where it initially described the intense, sudden fear associated with natural disasters or other unexpected events.

Today, “panic” refers to sudden, overwhelming fear or anxiety, often accompanied by a loss of control. So, the next time you hear about someone feeling “panic,” you can thank the mythological god Pan for giving us a word to describe that intense rush of fear!

Keep exploring language origins—they give us a window into history, culture, and how human experiences shape language. Let me know if you have more etymology questions!