adrenaline

American  

[uh-dren-l-in, -een] / əˈdrɛn l ɪn, -ˌin /

noun

1. Biochemistry. epinephrine.

2. the feeling of excitement, alertness, and intensity caused by the release of epinephrine in the body.

   For adventure seekers, there are ungroomed, off-piste routes with deep snow offering lots and lots of adrenaline.

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adrenaline British  

/ əˈdrɛnəlɪn /

noun

1. US name: epinephrine.  a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress and increases heart rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure, and raises the blood levels of glucose and lipids. It is extracted from animals or synthesized for such medical uses as the treatment of asthma. Chemical name: aminohydroxyphenylpropionic acid; formula: C 9 H 13 NO 3

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adrenaline Scientific  

/ ə-drĕn′ə-lĭn /

1. See epinephrine

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adrenaline Cultural  

1. A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that helps the body meet physical or emotional stress (see endocrine system).

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Discover More

Figuratively, the term adrenaline is used in speaking of a high state of excitement: “When the race began, the adrenaline really started pumping.”

Adrenaline plays a very large role in the fight or flight reaction, which refers to the various processes that occur within the body when it is confronted with some form of mental or physical stress.

Etymology

Origin of adrenaline

First recorded in 1900–05; adrenal + -ine ¹

Compare meaning

How does adrenaline compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• epinephrine vs. adrenaline
• noradrenaline vs. adrenaline

Example Sentences

Spare adrenaline auto-injectors must also be stocked by schools for emergencies involving children without a prior allergy diagnosis.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Several times while training for Ironman triathlons, I’ve crashed my bike and jumped right back up—there was so much adrenaline flowing that I didn’t feel pain in the moment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

But then it's finished "and there's a bit of baby blues afterwards," as she comes down off the adrenaline rush.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

He then will try to get back to sleep to prepare for his long day of football, knowing he will be running on adrenaline deep into the night.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

The rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins had all of my senses popping.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad