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

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 A good Call of Duty campaign is like a shot of adrenaline sent straight into your bloodstream. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

For some, beating the winter blues means chasing adrenaline down a steep, snowy slope. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024

Perhaps this trip is your chance to try a new sport, like surfing, or push your adrenaline further by skydiving. —Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Dec. 2024

For an unusual rush of adrenaline, Obertauern’s snow kiting school teaches skiers how to use a kite to harness wind power. —Katharina Kotrba, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

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