sympathetic nervous system
noun
: the part of the autonomic nervous system that contains chiefly adrenergic fibers and tends to depress secretion, decrease the tone and contractility of smooth muscle, and increase heart rate compare parasympathetic nervous system
Examples of sympathetic nervous system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Criticism triggers the sympathetic nervous system, activating the fight-flight-freeze response—our brain’s natural survival mechanism.
—
Jason Walker, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
When we are presented with stressful situations, our bodies respond by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which increases our blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar to prepare us to respond to stress.
—Peter Stewart, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Casanova added that self-regulating strategies like meditation can help calm the body’s fight-or-flight response, especially when the sympathetic nervous system is activated.
—Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024
Caffeine is also believed to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates the body’s fight-or-flight response.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sympathetic nervous system 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jason Walker, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
When we are presented with stressful situations, our bodies respond by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which increases our blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar to prepare us to respond to stress.
—Peter Stewart, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Casanova added that self-regulating strategies like meditation can help calm the body’s fight-or-flight response, especially when the sympathetic nervous system is activated.
—Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024
Caffeine is also believed to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates the body’s fight-or-flight response.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sympathetic nervous system
Dictionary Entries Near sympathetic nervous system
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sympathetic%20nervous%20system. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share