fight-or-flight

American  

[fahyt-er-flahyt] / ˈfaɪt ərˈflaɪt /

adjective

1. causing, caused by, or being the body's physiological response to stress, involving the release of epinephrine and effects such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, in preparation for self-defense or escape.

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noun

1. the fight-or-flight response or a situation that elicits it.

fight-or-flight British  

noun

1. (modifier) involving or relating to an involuntary response to stress in which the hormone adrenaline is secreted into the blood in readiness for physical action, such as fighting or running away

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fight-or-flight

By focusing on a single anchor—like your breath or a phrase—you shift your brain out of its fight-or-flight mode and activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which controls your body’s “rest and digest” functions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026

Vd Roest was well aware that the man’s virtually generated image wasn’t real, but that didn’t stop a fight-or-flight response from kicking in upon seeing his face.

From Slate ● Dec. 18, 2025

The researchers believe that the heightened fight-or-flight activity common in anxiety disorders may increase the brain's demand for choline, which could lower its available levels.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 4, 2025

“Why do we have to just trigger fight-or-flight in people as a communal experience? Why can’t we just trigger joy and connection?”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2025

I wrap my arms around my body, literally trying to hold myself still because my fight-or-flight adrenaline is in overdrive and I don’t know which way it’s going to lead me.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed