Definition
A person in a mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety, fear, panic, surprise, confusion, or substance abuse.
A person with a stunned or glazed expression.
Origins
From the image of a deer caught in a car's headlights – wide-open eyes, lack of motor reactions, etc.
In Context
- ""What! I thought you were finished with principal photography." He looked disoriented, the deer in the headlights. Hints of extra crew time always had that effect on him."
Also Said As
- rabbit in the headlamps
- rabbit in the headlights