noun

elation

ih-LAY-shun/ɪˈleɪʃn/

A feeling of great happiness and excitement.

The runner raises her arms in elation at the finish line.

A young woman bursts into joyful celebration after winning a footrace, throwing both arms high with a broad, open-mouthed smile as she breaks the finish ribbon.

Etymology

eLatinout, up

+latLatincarry, bear

+ionLatinaction or state

The elements express carrying out or lifting up. Latin already used this lifting as an image for raised spirits, which connects the word to intense happiness and excitement.

In context

Haze Outdoors5:51

the elation was like a lottery win I can only imagine just pure primal primal happiness knowing that we were going to eat well

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More examples

Their elation faded when they realized the result was provisional.
The team celebrated in a mood of pure elation.
He could not hide his elation at the unexpected news.

Forms

elation

elated adjective — very happy and excited

Similar words

joy: Joy is broad happiness; elation suggests an excited sense of triumph or uplift.
exhilaration: Exhilaration is stimulating excitement; elation especially suggests joyful uplift after good fortune.