thrill

[thril]

verb (used with object)

1. to affect with a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement, as to produce a tremor or tingling sensation through the body.

2. to utter or send forth tremulously, as a melody.

verb (used without object)

1. to affect one with a wave of emotion or excitement.

   Synonyms: stir, electrify, excite

2. to be stirred by a tremor or tingling sensation of emotion or excitement.

   He thrilled at the thought of home.

3. to move tremulously; vibrate; quiver.

   Synonyms: quake, quake, tremble, flutter

4. to cause a prickling or tingling sensation.

   Brisk cold thrills the skin.

noun

1. a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement, sometimes manifested as a tremor or tingling sensation passing through the body.

2. something that produces or is capable of producing such a sensation.

   a story full of thrills.

3. a thrilling experience.

   It was a thrill to see Paris again.

4. a vibration or quivering.

5. Pathology.,  an abnormal tremor or vibration, as in the respiratory or vascular system.

thrill

/ θrɪl /

noun

1. a sudden sensation of excitement and pleasure

   seeing his book for sale gave him a thrill

2. a situation producing such a sensation

   it was a thrill to see Rome for the first time

3. a trembling sensation caused by fear or emotional shock

4. pathol an abnormal slight tremor associated with a heart or vascular murmur, felt on palpation

verb

1. to feel or cause to feel a thrill

2. to tremble or cause to tremble; vibrate or quiver

Other Word Forms

• subthrill noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrill¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English thrillen originally, “to penetrate,” metathetic variant of thirlen “to pierce; thrill” ( thirl )

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrill¹

Old English thӯrlian to pierce, from thyrel hole; see _nostril , _through

Example Sentences

Even one of the most thrilling games in the club’s recent memory, a 3-3 draw in the Champions League semifinal against Inter, had to unfold at Barça’s home away from home.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He is barely old enough to order room service prosecco, and already possesses one of the most thrilling games in tennis history.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But even a thrilling run at Bethpage Black in New York proved too little too late to overcome the Americans’ horrendous start.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In between are familiar topics from Ms. Swift—the search for true love, the desire for acceptance, and the cathartic thrill of putting your detractors in their place.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Consumers may want a specific character in the collection, but the thrill comes from not knowing exactly what they will get.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• animate 
• delight 
• electrify 
• enchant 
• fire up 
• inspire 
• tickle 
• titillate 
• wow