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

Ricky is thrilled: "He's doing really well. We have seen him progressing in his speech, and mobility. In just three months he has matured."

Read more on BBC

Greaves had posted a thrilling 6-5 victory over world champion Luke Littler last month to become the first woman to reach the World Youth final.

Read more on BBC

They are a good cricket team that can occasionally be a thrilling cricket team.

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But after nearly four years of living in Lisbon, I’m thrilled I made the leap.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

We think our requests will burden friends, so we don’t ask, even though most people are thrilled to help.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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