fight-or-flight reaction
[ fahyt-awr-flahyt ]
/ ˈfaɪt ɔrˈflaɪt /
noun Physiology, Psychology.
the 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.
Words nearby fight-or-flight reaction
fight off,
fight or flight reaction,
fight shy of,
fight tooth and nail,
fight-or-flight,
fight-or-flight reaction,
fight-or-flight response,
fighter,
fighter-bomber,
fighter-interceptor,
fighting
Medical definitions for fight or flight reaction
fight-or-flight reaction
n.
A set of physiological changes, such as increases in heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and blood glucose, initiated by the sympathetic nervous system to mobilize body systems in response to stress.
emergency theory
Cultural definitions for fight or flight reaction
fight or flight reaction
The set of processes that occur in the body when it is confronted with some form of physical or mental stress. For example, if a person is faced with danger (as from a vicious animal about to attack), the nervous system signals for adrenaline and other hormones to be released into the blood. These hormones prepare the body either to confront the attacking animal or to flee to safety (thus, “fight or flight”). Changes in the body include increased heart rate, dilated pupils of the eye (to improve vision), and increased supply of blood to the muscles (to prepare the body for action).