What is the term for fear or anxiety triggered by the recognition of danger?

The term that best fits the description of fear or anxiety triggered by the recognition of danger is "Alarm." This word captures the immediate, instinctive response individuals experience when they perceive a threatening situation. Alarm signals an awareness of potential harm and can manifest as a heightened state of alertness, which prepares the body to respond to danger.

In contrast, panic refers to an overwhelming, often unmanageable form of anxiety that may lead to irrational behavior. Dread implies a persistent and often anticipatory anxiety about something that is feared in the future, rather than an immediate response to recognized danger. Shock, on the other hand, typically refers to a state of temporary mental or emotional disturbance resulting from a traumatic event or a sudden realization, rather than the proactive recognition of danger itself. Thus, "Alarm" is the most appropriate term describing the immediate and direct response to danger recognition.