Oxytocin
noun /ˌɒk.sɪˈtoʊ.sɪn/ — The bonding hormone; released in connection, love, and trust
Definition
A hormone and neurotransmitter released during physical touch, social bonding, childbirth, and breastfeeding — associated with trust, generosity, empathy, and love. Often called the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone.'
Beyond the definition
Oxytocin is love made legible in chemistry — the hormone that makes you trust, that makes you feel connected, that bridges the gap between the self and another person. It is the biology of belonging.
Origin & history
Greek: oxys (sharp, swift) + tokos (birth). Named for its role in facilitating childbirth. Its social bonding functions were discovered later — its name understates its emotional importance.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Physical touch triggers oxytocin release — which is why hugs actually help.
Oxytocin also increases in-group loyalty, which is why trust can coexist with tribalism.
The love hormone isn't just about romance — it's about every form of genuine connection.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Oxytocin” when the meaning fits your context: A hormone and neurotransmitter released during physical touch, social bonding, childbirth, and breastfeeding — associated with trust, generosity, empathy, and love. Often called the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone.'
Synonyms
bonding hormone, love hormone, trust hormone
Related words
Oxytocin vs dopamine
Oxytocin is the bonding hormone associated with trust and social connection. Dopamine is the reward hormone associated with individual pleasure and goal pursuit.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Shared Work and Bonding
Three adults cooperate around a table, contributing different pieces to a bridge model.
The act of shared physical creation between the adults fosters connection, mirroring the role of oxytocin in social bonding. By contributing to a singular, supported structure, they exhibit empathy and collaborative trust, which are key outcomes of this bonding hormone.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Oxytocin" mean?
Oxytocin is noun meaning: The bonding hormone; released in connection, love, and trust. A hormone and neurotransmitter released during physical touch, social bonding, childbirth, and breastfeeding — associated with trust, generosity, empathy, and love. Often called the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone.'
Where does the word "Oxytocin" come from?
Greek: oxys (sharp, swift) + tokos (birth). Named for its role in facilitating childbirth. Its social bonding functions were discovered later — its name understates its emotional importance.