adrenaline

noun

adren·​a·​line ə-ˈdre-nə-lən 

: epinephrine

Note: Adrenaline is used in both technical and nontechnical contexts. It is commonly used in describing the physiological symptoms (such as increased heart rate and respiration) that occur as part of the body's fight-or-flight response to stress, as when someone is in a dangerous, frightening, or highly competitive situation, as well as the feelings of heightened energy, excitement, strength, and alertness associated with those symptoms. In figurative use, it suggests a drug that provides something with a jolt of useful energy and stimulation.

He felt a rush of adrenaline as he parachuted from the airplane.

The fans were jubilant, raucous, their adrenaline running high.

—W. P. Kinsella

My reputation was as a single-day racer; show me the start line and I would win on adrenaline and anger, chopping off my competitors one by one.

—Lance Armstrong

London's summer antiques scene has been given a massive injection of adrenaline.

—Town and Country

Examples of adrenaline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

We were filled with adrenaline as Liv welcomed the wonderful hair and makeup duo of Kate Hargraves and Dana Bosco from the Bridal by Alexandria team at our front door. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2025

But at least some of the allure has to do with the addictive, puzzle-like qualities of the game itself, and the adrenaline of competition, particularly under intense time pressure. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025

Seeking a fresh start A $10 million grant awarded last fall by the U.S. Department of Agriculture could give a jolt of adrenaline to the county’s planting programs. —Alyssa Johnson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025

The new year typically brings a rush of adrenaline and the roar of engines to Angel Stadium with Monster Jam and Monster Energy AMA Supercross, both using the field for their high-octane fun. —Heather McRea, Orange County Register, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adrenal entry 2 + -ine entry 2

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

adrenaline

noun

adren·​a·​line ə-ˈdren-ᵊl-ən 

: epinephrine

Medical Definition

adrenaline

noun

adren·​a·​line ə-ˈdren-ᵊl-ən 

: epinephrine

—recognized by the British Pharmaceutical Codex as the preferred name for epinephrine in Great Britain