The word "恐慌" is formed through a powerful semantic combination where the first character "恐" (kǒng), meaning "fear" or "dread", establishes the core internal emotion. This is intensified and externalized by the second character "慌" (huāng), which conveys a state of "flustered", "panicked", or "in disarray". Together, they create a dynamic, cascading image: it is not merely a static feeling of fear, but that fear actively spiraling into outward confusion, loss of composure, and behavioral panic, thus capturing the complete, unraveling experience of being terrified.