fight-or-flight

adjective

ˈfīt-ər-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

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

When a person’s fight-or-flight response is activated, attention narrows and defensiveness rises. — Alice Shikina, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Nov. 2026

During stressful situations, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode—your heart beats faster, and blood pressure rises. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2026

Whatever the source, the deluge of news can cause acute stress and anger, triggering a fight-or-flight response. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 30 Oct. 2026

Locals and tourists calling Luna’s name or chasing her trigger her fight-or-flight response and drive the dog further into the park, Boucher said. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fight-or-flight

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

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