exhilarate

[ig-zil-uh-reyt]

verb (used with object)

exhilarated, exhilarating 

1. to enliven; invigorate; stimulate.

   The cold weather exhilarated the walkers.

   Synonyms: elate, inspirit, animate
   Antonyms: depress

2. to make cheerful or merry.

   Synonyms: gladden, cheer
   Antonyms: depress

exhilarate

/ ɪɡˈzɪləˌreɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to make lively and cheerful; gladden; elate

Other Word Forms

• exhilaratingly adverb
• exhilarator noun
• unexhilarated adjective
• unexhilarating adjective
• exhilarative adjective
• exhilaration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exhilarate¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin exhilarātus, past participle of exhilarāre “to gladden,” equivalent to ex- “from, out of, beyond” + hilarāre “to cheer” ( hilarity ); ex- ¹, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of exhilarate¹

C16: from Latin exhilarāre, from hilarāre to cheer; see _hilarious

Example Sentences

The Seadog Lakefront Fireworks Cruise takes you out into the harbor for a speedy, exhilarating boat ride, then positions you perfectly for an unbeatable view of the display.

From Salon

The early millennia of our species’ history — hundreds of thousands of years — is the subject of “Human,” an exhilarating five-part BBC series premiering Wednesday as part of the PBS series “Nova.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s an exhilarating ride that carries on over the rest of the album, ebbing and flowing between chaos and calm.

From Los Angeles Times

Some fans had left Highmark Stadium in Buffalo when the Bills trailed by 15 points in the fourth quarter, before Allen showed why he is the MVP by leading an exhilarating comeback.

From BBC

In that sense, Qualley is exhilaratingly unpredictable, a star who clearly cares more about the art she’s making than the fame it brings her.

From Salon

Related Words

• animate 
• elate 
• exalt 
• excite 
• thrill 
• uplift