diff --git a/sched/semaphore/sem_holder.c b/sched/semaphore/sem_holder.c
index ec815af15a..69970f7a84 100644
--- a/sched/semaphore/sem_holder.c
+++ b/sched/semaphore/sem_holder.c
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ nxsem_allocholder(FAR sem_t *sem, FAR struct tcb_s *htcb)
     {
       serr("ERROR: Insufficient pre-allocated holders\n");
       pholder          = NULL;
-      DEBUGASSERT(0);
+      DEBUGPANIC();
     }
 
   if (pholder != NULL)