hoảng sợ
[hwaːŋ˧˩ səː˧˨ʔ]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to lose one's head over fear; to panic
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Tom đã rất hoảng sợ.Tom was frightened.
Tatoeba sentence #3140262 (CC BY 2.0 FR, tatoeba.org, retrieved 2026-07-31)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(adjective) alarmed; scared; panicked
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
lose one's head
To become extremely anxious or panicked
English
Near equivalent
cuống quýt
(verb) to lose one's head; to be in an agitated hurry
Tiếng Việt · via lose one's head
Lighter cards are two steps away in the meaning graph — equivalents of equivalents, reached via the entry shown on the card.
Common questions
What does “hoảng sợ” mean?
(verb) to lose one's head over fear; to panic
Is “hoảng sợ” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
What is the closest equivalent?
“lose one's head” (English) — near equivalent.