Spanish word

adrenalina

Pronunciation

IPA/aðɾenaˈlina/

Meaning

  • feminine nounadrenaline

Example

En la montaña rusa sentimos adrenalina.

On the roller coaster we feel adrenaline.

Illustration for adrenalina (adrenaline)

More examples

Antes de subir al escenario, sentí adrenalina.

Before going on stage, I felt adrenaline.

Core concept

Hormonal surge that heightens alertness and physical arousal.

Common phrases

  • sentir adrenalina

    feel adrenaline

  • tener adrenalina

    have adrenaline

  • un subidón de adrenalina

    an adrenaline rush

Similar words

emoción: Deep emotional stirring experienced as joy, sorrow, or tender affection.
euforia: Sustained, intense uplift of mood producing prolonged exhilaration.
susto: Sudden, brief shock of fear or surprise that causes an immediate jolt.

Definition in Spanish

Designa la hormona que produce excitación física y mayor alerta, y por extensión la sensación intensa de nervios o emoción.

Word origin

From Latin ad- 'near' and renes 'kidneys', via Latin adrenalis for the glands above the kidneys, later forming the Spanish adrenalina.

Usage tips

  • In medical contexts the same substance is also called epinefrina in Spanish, but in conversation people more often say sentir adrenalina or un subidón de adrenalina for excitement.

Opposites

Word lists with this word