frisson

American  

[free-sohn, free-sawn] / friˈsõʊ̃, friˈsɔ̃ /

noun

plural

frissons

1. a sudden, passing sensation of excitement; a shudder of emotion; thrill.

   The movie offers the viewer the occasional frisson of seeing a character in mortal danger.

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frisson British  

/ frisɔ̃ /

noun

1. a shudder or shiver; thrill

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Etymology

Origin of frisson

First recorded in 1770–80; from French: “shiver, shudder,” Old French friçons (plural), from Late Latin frictiōnem, accusative of frictiō “shiver” (taken as derivative of frīgēre “to be cold”), from Latin: “massage, friction”; friction

Example Sentences

It arrived at a time when “hackers” and “black boxes” were still terms that gave off a sexy frisson.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025

After six months out, the sight of Stokes marking out his run sent a frisson of excitement around Trent Bridge.

From BBC • May 23, 2025

The frisson of authenticity is enhanced by paleo-sculptor Gary Staab’s spectacular models, complemented by Beth Zaiken’s murals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2025

But then, they also take us to the dark side, the frisson and the sense of being on the edge of tragedy.

From Salon • Oct. 24, 2024

This time, too, there was no small, endearingly innocent pulse of excitement, that keen and eager frisson that comes with venturing into the unknown with gleaming, untried equipment.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson