Which term describes an emotion characterized by sudden and extreme fear?

Panic is characterized by a sudden onset of intense and overwhelming fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and feelings of impending doom. This emotion typically emerges in response to a perceived threat, leading to a fight-or-flight response. The experience of panic can be so intense that it may occur unexpectedly, even in situations where there is no apparent danger, which distinguishes it from other emotional responses.

In contrast, anxiety refers to a more generalized state of apprehension or worry about potential future events, rather than an immediate and intense fear response. Fearfulness is similar but may not have the sudden, acute characteristic that defines panic. A phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of a specific object or situation, leading to avoidance behavior over time, rather than the immediate and intense reaction associated with panic. Thus, the definition and characteristics of panic make it the most appropriate term for describing an emotion characterized by sudden and extreme fear.