verb / noun

revel

REV-uhl/ˈrevl/

To take lively and uninhibited pleasure.

The friends revel in the party, dancing and laughing beneath the streamers.

Two friends revel at a party, laughing exuberantly and dancing beneath a few colorful streamers, with confetti falling around them.

Etymology

With re- meaning “against” or perhaps “again,” the underlying image is waging war. Rebellion shifted through disorder and noisy merrymaking to the enjoyment expressed by “revel.”

In context

Wild Confluence6:00

I revel in the oasis of pines and snow melt creeks. This is the last stream for 20 m. Soon we are descending from the mountain back to the hot desert floor.

Only the Essential: Pacific Crest Trail Documentary

More examples

She reveled in the applause after her first solo.
They are reveling in their team's unexpected victory.
The wedding revels last well into the night.

Forms

revel · revels · reveled · reveling

reveler noun — A person who joins in lively celebrations.

revelry noun — Lively and often noisy festive celebration.

Similar words

relish: Emphasizes keen enjoyment, without necessarily suggesting lively celebration.
savor: Suggests slow, attentive enjoyment rather than exuberant pleasure.
celebrate: Focuses on marking a special event with joyful activities.