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

But once the adrenaline wore off, tears came and fear crept in big time. —Stepheny Price , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that produces excess adrenaline and noradrenaline. —Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 27 Nov. 2025

For someone who thrives on speed and adrenaline, something had to change. —Sierra Shafer, Outside, 18 Nov. 2025

The new-to-market property offers something rare for even the most high-octane auto enthusiasts—direct access to a four-mile racetrack, where owners can drive straight from their personal garage to the circuit—no trailers, no public roads, just pure adrenaline. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 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