WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
fight′-or-flight′ reac′tion
(fīt′ôr flīt′),USA pronunciation [Physiol., Psychol.]
- Animal Behavior, Physiologythe response of the sympathetic nervous system to a stressful event, preparing the body to fight or flee, associated with the adrenal secretion of epinephrine and characterized by increased heart rate, increased blood flow to the brain and muscles, raised sugar levels, sweaty palms and soles, dilated pupils, and erect hairs. Also called fight′-or-flight′ response′.