adrenaline

noun adren·a·line \ ə-ˈdre-nə-lən \

|Updated on: 22 Jun 2018

Definition of adrenaline

: 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.

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Recent Examples of adrenaline from the Web

This was an adrenaline-rush game that brought this World Cup to life.

— grant wahl, SI.com, "Cristiano Ronaldo Hat Trick, Heroics Cap Drama-Packed Day 2 at 2018 World Cup," 15 June 2018
But these weren't thrill seekers or adrenaline junkies – just brave volunteers trying to raise awareness and funds for a good cause.

— cassie dickman, sacbee, "Volunteers rappel off 16-story hotel to raise funds for at-risk youths in Sacramento," 8 June 2018
But there were innumerable restaurants that could put that lineup of items together, a few on the same street, and just one with the ability to make my adrenaline rush.

— rembert browne, Bon Appetit, "My Temple of Steam-Table Soul Food," 6 June 2018
For a fun thrill, take a walk across Hanapepe’s precarious Swinging Bridge, then chow down on some of the best taro chips around from the town’s Taro Ko Chips Factory to ease your adrenaline rush.

— laura kiniry, Smithsonian, "The 20 Best Small Towns To Visit in 2018," 5 June 2018
These adrenaline junkies are known to be fiercely independent, but when Sags do decide to couple...well, nothing really changes.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "What Your Zodiac Sign Says About Your Worst Relationship Habit," 14 May 2018
Only an adrenaline junkie or a completely unimaginative person could be bored by obits.

— diane stopyra, The Cut, "I’m Obsessed With Reading Strangers’ Obituaries," 30 Apr. 2018
To prepare for the calorie intake that is very much a part of Thanksgiving weekend, many adrenaline junkies spend the Wednesday before burning instead of bingeing.

— carson griffith, Town & Country, "Thanksgiving Eve Traditions," 16 Nov. 2015
Many athletes have spoken of the big shot of adrenaline imbued by the enthusiasm and noise from the EAST GRANDSTAND.

— ken goe, OregonLive.com, "Tinker Hatfield blasts Hayward Field design adopted by the University of Oregon," 1 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adrenaline.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of adrenaline

²adrenal + ²-ine

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1890

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Biochemistry Terms

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ADRENALINE Defined for English Language Learners

adrenaline

noun

Definition of adrenaline for English Language Learners

: a substance that is released in the body of a person who is feeling a strong emotion (such as excitement, fear, or anger) and that causes the heart to beat faster and gives the person more energy