adrenaline rush

American  

[uh-dren-l-in ruhsh] / əˈdrɛn l ɪn ˌrʌʃ /

noun

1. a sudden, intense feeling of exhilaration or excitement caused by or as if by a surge of adrenaline.

   It's the adrenaline rush and the intensity of the competition that I most look forward to.

   These folks eat, breathe, and sleep roller coasters and can never get enough of an adrenaline rush.

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Etymology

Origin of adrenaline rush

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Novak Djokovic said Saturday he still gets a "drug-like" adrenaline rush from tennis and is not thinking about retiring anytime soon.

From Barron's • Jan. 17, 2026

View that as a parable if you wish, or simply enjoy the adrenaline rush.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025

For Kohl’s shoppers, the adrenaline rush is “the tangible thrill of using a large coupon for a significant discount at checkout,” said Isabella Rossi, who is 31 and lives in San Francisco.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

"The rugby gives you the most contact, the most adrenaline. Table tennis is great but there is no real adrenaline rush off it!"

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

Now that the adrenaline rush of yesterday is gone, and whatever made me sleep has worn off, the deep ache and shooting pains of my shoulder are intense.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth