Significant Change In The History Of The Word Panich

975 Words2 Pages

The word “panic” has experienced significant change throughout its history, in a multitude of ways. Its meaning and form have developed according to changing social contexts over the years, shifting the perception and concept of the word. Originating from the 17th-century English word "Panich," panic attacks are sudden feelings of anxiety or fear often associated with stressful environments. Early usage a response to threat and fear, similar to ancient Greek mythology's depiction of Pan. By the 18th century, its meaning changed, becoming synonymous with feelings of anxiety related to finance and investment issues. This shift reflects the volatile economic landscape at that time, which was marked by periods of speculation and insecurity. Now …show more content…

The original meaning of panic took place in the 17th century, where the spelling was “panich”. An example of how it was used was “The panich soir mead the most pairt of themes flie the toun.”(Oxford University Press). Although spelled differently, this word still means a sudden feeling of alarm or fear. English spelling was a lot less standardized in the past than today, and words would often be spelled phonetically based on how they sounded when spoken aloud. When introduced into English, "panich" was written phonetically to better approximate its pronunciation and keep its correlation with Greek …show more content…

Firstly, it gives an outlook on the instincts and emotional responses seen in human nature. The concept of panic illuminates how individuals react to sudden danger or threat, shedding light on the psychological and physiological mechanisms underlying feelings such as anxiety and fear. Throughout history, psychologists and researchers have been able to study the word panic and gain valuable insight into how individuals perceive and respond to certain stressors. This gives the ability to create strategies for managing and coping with anxiety-related disorders. In addition, the word "panic" carries cultural and historical significance as it reflects constantly changing societal attitudes and contexts over time. Its evolution from ancient Greek mythology to modern-day usage details shifts in social or economic ways. By examining the historical usage of panic, historians and sociologists can track the impact of various events and phenomena, whether it’s from financial crises to anxiety-raised disasters, in a collective

Open Document