thrill

American  

[thril] / θrɪl /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of thrill

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

Example Sentences

After the thrills and spills of the ice hockey, the Games will close in the elegant surroundings of Verona.

From Barron's

Scotland battled back to inflict a heartbreaking Six Nations defeat on Wales in a thrilling game in Cardiff.

From BBC

Scotland continued their bid for the Six Nations Triple Crown as they came from behind to beat Wales 26-23 in a thrilling game at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

From Barron's

Harvey said that for fans, the most thrilling part would possibly be "living and breathing the same space as these characters".

From BBC

Witnessing what is probably an athletes greatest moment is both a thrill and an honor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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