fight-or-flight mode
nounUK /ˌfaɪt ɔː ˈflaɪt məʊd/
US /ˌfaɪt ɔːr ˈflaɪt moʊd/
A way your body gets ready to run away or fight when you feel scared.
When the loud thunder boomed, my body switched into fight-or-flight mode.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A state of extreme alertness and tension in a stressful situation.
During the surprise test, she was in fight-or-flight mode the whole time.
3. The body's automatic reaction to danger that speeds up the heart and breathing.
His fight-or-flight mode kicked in when he saw the snake.
4. A sudden burst of energy to deal with a threat.
In fight-or-flight mode, she jumped over the fence without thinking.