did-you-kno:

The word ‘panic’ stems from Greek
mythology. It’s derived from the name
of the god of shepherds, Pan, who got
really angry and started shouting any
time someone woke him up from his
midday nap. His yelling was so violent
that it sent his flocks into a stampede,
causing a sudden wave of anxiety and
fear among everyone in the vicinity. Source Source 2 Source 3