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

If more users could engage with LLMs in deeper and more meaningful ways, maybe AI would feel as exhilarating as I know it can be.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

There is something peculiarly exhilarating about taking up an activity you are not naturally good at.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

"Queuing up is exciting and exhilarating - the build up of walking in, and thinking 'I'm finally here,'" Christina tells me.

Read more on BBC

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.

Read more on 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.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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