French Conversation · Level 129
42 words
French word
affolement
Pronunciation
IPA/afɔləmɑ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounpanic
Example
Elle a montré son affolement quand elle a perdu ses clés.
She showed her panic when she lost her keys.
More examples
Elle a réussi à maîtriser son affolement et à parler.
She managed to control her panic and speak.
Core concept
A calm person suddenly flailing through hurried movements and decisions.
Common phrases
maîtriser son affolement
control one's panic
Similar words
inquiétude: An ongoing inner state of worry that makes it hard to feel calm.
panique: A sudden loss of control caused by intense fear or shock.
anxiété: Persistent anxiety or tension arising from a vague sense of worry.
agitation: Restless, unsettled activity that outwardly shows anxiety or excitement.
Definition in French
Perte soudaine de sang-froid accompagnée d'une agitation visible et d'actes précipités.
Word origin
Affolement is formed from affoler with the noun suffix -ment; affoler comes from Old French afoler, related to fol, meaning 'mad' or 'foolish'.
Usage tips
- Affolement usually describes disorder visible in behavior, whereas inquiétude more often names inward worry without such agitation.