endorphins

Cultural

Substances produced by the brain that have painkilling and tranquillizing effects on the body. Endorphins are thought to be similar to morphine and are usually released by the brain during times of extreme body stress. The release of endorphins may explain why trauma victims sometimes cannot feel the pain associated with their injuries.

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.

Researchers in the late 1970s found that after patients had their molars extracted, an IV saline drip provided pain relief through the body’s natural ability to produce endorphins.

From Slate • Jan. 30, 2026

Cardio is not just good for my heart, but is a great emotional release and gets my endorphins going.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

"It's something about sweating, being uncomfortable and the endorphins it releases."

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

“The adrenaline and the endorphins that I get off of working out and making my body feel good is what I like.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2025

But my endorphins were surging and that, combined with the huge sense of relief, left me totally giddy.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023