1.
to panic; to be flustered; to lose one's head
To become extremely agitated and confused, losing the ability to act calmly. Stronger than simply being surprised — implies visible confusion and disorganized behavior.
地震で皆が慌てふためいた。
Everyone panicked because of the earthquake.
財布がないと気づいて慌てふためいた。
I panicked when I realized my wallet was missing.
突然の来客に慌てふためいて、部屋を片付け始めた。
Panicking at the unexpected visitor, I started tidying up the room.
USAGE:
慌てふためく emphasizes a state of extreme panic and confusion. It is stronger than 慌てる alone, which simply means to be in a hurry or flustered. The ふためく part intensifies the sense of disoriented panic.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 慌てふためいて逃げる (to flee in a panic)
- 慌てふためく様子 (a panicked appearance)
RELATED WORDS:
- 慌てる: to be flustered, to rush
- うろたえる: to be confused and agitated
- 取り乱す: to lose one's composure