noun

exhilaration

ig-zil-uh-RAY-shuhn/ɪɡˌzɪləˈreɪʃn/

A feeling of lively excitement and joy.

He feels a rush of exhilaration as the roller coaster plunges downward.

A young man visibly exhilarated on a roller-coaster descent: an exuberant open-mouthed smile, bright eyes, wind-swept hair, and both arms raised above a securely fastened restraint.

Etymology

exLatinthoroughly

+hilarLatinmake cheerful

+ationLatinaction or state

The central idea is making someone cheerful, with ex- strengthening the verb. The noun names both the act of cheering and the resulting state, which connects it to a feeling of lively happiness.

In context

Davis Yates10:57

there was quite a feeling of exhilaration when you come down and you see your car waiting there in the parking [Applause] [Music] lot this is the 25% completion mark on the trail

540 MILES || A Colorado Trail Bikepacking Documentary

More examples

The hikers share a sense of exhilaration when they reach the summit.
She can hardly contain her exhilaration after winning the race.
The exhilaration of performing live keeps him coming back to the stage.

Forms

exhilaration

exhilarate verb — To fill someone with excitement and joy.

exhilarating adjective — Causing a feeling of excitement and joy.

Similar words

elation: Elation emphasizes great happiness, often after success or relief.
thrill: A thrill is a sudden burst of excitement or pleasure.
excitement: Excitement suggests heightened energy but does not always imply joy.