endorphin

noun

en·​dor·​phin en-ˈdȯr-fən 

: any of a group of endogenous peptides (such as enkephalin) found especially in the brain that bind chiefly to opiate receptors and produce some pharmacological effects (such as pain relief) like those of opiates

specifically : beta-endorphin

Did you know?

The word endorphin was coined, back when the substances were discovered in the 1970s, by joining pieces of endogenous and morphine, morphine being a narcotic that closely resembles the endorphins and relieves pain in a similar way. Studies suggest that the pain-relieving practice called acupuncture works by releasing endorphins. Endorphins also seem to play an important role in pregnancy. Though much remains to be learned about the endorphins, the general public seems ready to give them credit for any all-natural high.

Examples of endorphin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gal keeps being pulled back into it herself, particularly over the course of a protracted, tonally unstable third act that volleys wildly between brutal peril and feelgood endorphins, toward a hopeful if slightly easy conclusion. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025

For the full mice, however, even just the sight of the sugary substance caused the neurons to activate and flood their system with endorphins. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025

Fun exercise keeps you consistent while boosting your endorphins. —Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Call it a runner’s high or a rush of endorphins while lifting weights. —Erik Vance, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary endogenous + morphine

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing endorphin

• beta-endorphin

Rhymes for endorphin

• dextromethorphan
• orphan

Medical Definition

endorphin

noun

en·​dor·​phin en-ˈdȯr-fən 

: any of a group of endogenous peptides (as enkephalin and dynorphin) found especially in the brain that bind chiefly to opiate receptors and produce some of the same pharmacological effects (as pain relief) as those of opiates

specifically : beta-endorphin