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

Sympathetic drive — the fight-or-flight response — works like a gas pedal, while parasympathetic drive provides the brake. —Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Some fears—like the fight-or-flight response—are essential for survival. —Benjamin Adams, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Adrenaline is the fight-or-flight hormone, raising the heart rate and blood pressure and preparing you to take possibly life-saving action. —Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2025

And Practice Under Pressure Nervousness arises when the amygdala triggers a fight-or-flight response, increasing cortisol and impairing cognitive function, while the prefrontal cortex struggles under stress. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 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