'panic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'panikos', where 'pan' referred to the Greek god Pan, who was believed to cause sudden fear.

'panikos' transformed into the Latin word 'panicus', and eventually became the modern English word 'panic' through Old French 'panique'.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to Pan', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety'.