horripilate

American  

[haw-rip-uh-leyt, ho-] / hɔˈrɪp əˌleɪt, hɒ- /

verb (used with object)

horripilated, horripilating

1. to produce horripilation on.

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Usage

What does horripilate mean? Horripilate is a technical term meaning to make the hair stand up—to trigger goose bumps. It can also mean to experience this—to get goose bumps. This can happen due to cold, fear, or excitement. The process or an instance of this is called horripilation (or piloerection). Horripilation doesn’t only happen in humans. When some animals get startled or threatened, their fur raises in response. (When the fur becomes raised in this way on the neck, such as on a dog or cat, we say they’ve raised their hackles.)The same thing happens in humans, and is usually most noticeable in places where we don’t have much hair or the hair is very fine, such as the arms and neck. Example: Horror movies have the power to horripilate the viewer.

Etymology

Origin of horripilate

First recorded in 1615–25, horripilate is from the Latin word horripilātus (past participle of horripilāre to become bristly). See horrify, pile ³, -ate ¹