: 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 This is the hormone that triggers the fight-or-flight response which helps the body better cope with real or perceived threats. James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2024 And threats to that autonomy may inspire a range of reactions including fight-or-flight, freezing or other emotional responses. Mia Taylor, Parents, 14 Aug. 2024 Like watching a horror movie, the experience stimulates a fight-or-flight response during which the brain releases endorphins and dopamine, hormones that make people feel good. Alexandra Byrne, NBC News, 13 Aug. 2024 Caffeine is also believed to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates the body’s fight-or-flight response. Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fight-or-flight 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fight-or-flight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fight-or-flight was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near fight-or-flight

Cite this Entry

“Fight-or-flight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fight-or-flight. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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