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

Racing at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez This charter yacht is for those who’d gladly switch out the onboard spa for a rush of adrenaline (and faceful of sea spray). —Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026

During these periods of ongoing stress, hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline remain persistently elevated. —Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 5 May 2026

Overall, players came back from the Olympics healthy and infused with adrenaline that is carrying over into the playoffs. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 3 May 2026

Electric bikes, motorcycles and dirt bikes have surged in popularity in recent years and are especially popular among teenagers, offering them a new means of freedom and adrenaline. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

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