diff --git a/IPython/terminal/ptshell.py b/IPython/terminal/ptshell.py
index 0ae89ba..a562502 100644
--- a/IPython/terminal/ptshell.py
+++ b/IPython/terminal/ptshell.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ from IPython.utils.process import abbrev_cwd
 from traitlets import Bool, CBool, Unicode, Dict
 
 from prompt_toolkit.completion import Completer, Completion
-from prompt_toolkit.enums import DEFAULT_BUFFER
+from prompt_toolkit.enums import DEFAULT_BUFFER, SEARCH_BUFFER
 from prompt_toolkit.filters import HasFocus, HasSelection, Condition
 from prompt_toolkit.history import InMemoryHistory
 from prompt_toolkit.shortcuts import create_prompt_application, create_eventloop
@@ -182,6 +182,13 @@ class TerminalInteractiveShell(InteractiveShell):
         def _(event):
             event.current_buffer.reset()
 
+        @kbmanager.registry.add_binding(Keys.ControlC, filter=HasFocus(SEARCH_BUFFER))
+        def _(event):
+            if event.current_buffer.document.text:
+                event.current_buffer.reset()
+            else:
+                event.cli.push_focus(DEFAULT_BUFFER)
+
         supports_suspend = Condition(lambda cli: hasattr(signal, 'SIGTSTP'))
 
         @kbmanager.registry.add_binding(Keys.ControlZ, filter=supports_suspend)