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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.


Etymology

Origin of adrenaline rush

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"In the end, everything worked out. Everyone went down in a single file, everyone helping, and we managed to finish the trail, see the sunrise, and experience that adrenaline rush," Nobre told the paper.

From BBC Apr. 20, 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

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

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

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