adrenaline
noun
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.
W. P. KinsellaLance ArmstrongTown and CountryExamples of adrenaline in a Sentence
Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 31 July 2025
That changed at 11:30 p.m. when the gallery began filling up with legislative staffers and lobbyists, which injected a charge of adrenaline into the members who had by then already struggled through back-to-back-to-back workdays that had stretched deep into the night.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
High adventure: Climbing and rafting For those seeking more adrenaline, West Virginia is also a great destination for rock climbing and whitewater rafting, both of which can be found in the New River Gorge.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 27 July 2025
There are 11 ziplines, three rappels, and a sky bridge, and the scenic views are paired with a heavy dose of adrenaline.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for adrenaline
Cite this Entry
“Adrenaline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adrenaline. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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adrenaline
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adrenaline
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