Which term describes a specific emotional response to an immediate threat?

The term that describes a specific emotional response to an immediate threat is fear. Fear is an instinctive reaction that arises when an individual perceives a danger or threat, triggering a set of physiological and emotional responses. This response can involve increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and preparation for either fight or flight, which is designed to protect the individual in a situation of immediate danger.

Worry and anxiety refer to responses that can be more general and may not necessarily be linked to an immediate threat. Worry often involves thoughts about potential future problems rather than present dangers, while anxiety can encompass feelings of unease or apprehension that may not be triggered by a specific event or threat. Stress, on the other hand, can be a broader response to various pressures or challenges, encompassing both physical and emotional reactions, but does not specifically denote the immediate emotional reaction elicited by fear. Therefore, fear is the most accurate term to describe a direct emotional response to a present danger.