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DictionarythrillIntense excitement
noun / verb

thrill

THRILL/θrɪl/

A sudden rush of strong excitement or pleasure.

The riders feel a thrill at the roller coaster's crest.

A diverse adult pair thrills at a roller coaster crest with excited expressions and raised hands, sound anatomy.
Etymology
thrillOld Englishto pierce

The ancestor meant 'pierce': physical penetration became an image for emotion that suddenly penetrates or moves someone deeply. A thrill came to name the resulting shivering, exciting feeling.

In context

TravelGuru880:37
the feeling of weightlessness and then sudden tension is a thrill like no other rock climbing is another adventure
"Epic Outdoor Adventures: Skydiving, Rafting & Extreme Sports Thrills!"

More examples

  • She loves the thrill of riding a roller coaster.
  • The band's surprise appearance thrills the crowd.
  • He was thrilled to win his first race.

Forms

thrill · thrills · thrilled · thrilling

Similar words

rush
Suggests a powerful surge of excitement, often physically felt.
kick
Informal word for pleasure or enjoyment from a particular experience.