joyride

[joi-rahyd]

noun

1. a pleasure ride in an automobile, especially when the vehicle is driven recklessly or used without the owner's permission.

2. a brief, emotionally exciting interlude.

verb (used without object)

joyrode, joyridden, joyriding. 

1. to go on a joyride.

joyride

noun

1. a ride taken for pleasure in a car, esp in a stolen car driven recklessly

verb

1. (intr) to take such a ride

Other Word Forms

• joyrider noun
• joyriding noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of joyride¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; joy + ride

Example Sentences

Like Pitt hopping back into blockbuster fare, it must feel good to take a little joyride in the fast lane whenever you want, not having to be burdened by what’s in the rearview mirror.

Read more on Salon

The announcement, which features Stitch taking a joyride in a pink convertible through Walt Disney Studios, is basically a victory lap.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Slash going off script and taking a Winnebago for a joyride — and then standing in rush hour traffic and brandishing a bottle of Jack Daniels — while filming the “Welcome to the Jungle” music video.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Conversely, when he isn’t doing that or endangering his grandson Morty by dragging him on his crazy joyrides across space and time, he confronts his vendetta head-on with maximum aggression and chaotic results.

Read more on Salon

In response, a group of activists is fighting to ensure that trams remain a vital mode of transport rather than mere nostalgic joyrides.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• amusement 
• bliss 
• comfort 
• contentment 
• enjoyment 
• gratification 
• hobby 
• joy 
• luxury 
• satisfaction 
• thrill