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

While rafting trips in the winter months offer an unequaled experience, the prime summer trips provide a sure shot of adrenaline through moderate Class II rapids. —Outside Online, 19 May 2025

For those who love heights and a hit of adrenaline without putting in any work, this ride fits the bill. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025

Experts believe that in response to some intense stressor, the body releases a massive amount of adrenaline, which can lead to narrowing of the small arteries that supply blood to the heart and cause a temporary decrease in blood flow. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 15 May 2025

The only way to stop the reaction is an IV of adrenaline. —Miranda Mullings and Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

adrenal entry 2 + -ine entry 2

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for adrenaline

• adrenalin
• isoprenaline
• noradrenalin
• noradrenaline

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