fight-or-flight

adjective

ˈfīt-ər-ˈflīt 

: relating to, being, or causing physiological changes in the body (such as an increase in heart rate or dilation of bronchi) in response to stress

epinephrine is a fight-or-flight hormone

a fight-or-flight reaction

Examples of fight-or-flight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In situations such as receiving critical feedback or navigating interpersonal conflict, the brain may default to a threat state, triggering physiological and cognitive responses akin to fight-or-flight. —Andriana Eliadis, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Stressful situations trigger the adrenal glands to release our fight-or-flight hormones, called catecholamines. —Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 7 June 2025

The amygdala is where our primitive fight-or-flight response resides. —Mary Clements Evans, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Key Takeaways The body's fight-or-flight response releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which cause temporary spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fight-or-flight

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Medical Definition

fight-or-flight

adjective

ˌfī-tər-ˈflīt

: relating to, being, or causing physiological changes in the body (such as an increase in heart rate or dilation of bronchi) in response to stress

the fight-or-flight response