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.

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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, 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

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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” ( see thirl)

Explanation

Thrill doesn’t refer to any old type of excitement; this stuff is intense. For many people, the experience of riding a roller coaster provides a great thrill, or an intense feeling of excitement. Thrill comes from an Old English word meaning “pierce,” suggesting the metaphor of being “pierced by emotion.” Thrill is often used in a strictly positive sense, though it can also refer to the unique combination of terror and pleasure that some people experience in certain situations — for example, when riding death-defying roller coasters or watching frightening flicks (often called thrillers).

Example Sentences

It has become popular on YouTube and last year generated $40 million in Ebitda, according to Thrill Sports CEO Frank Lamicella.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Thrill Island, also on Deck 16 and one of eight neighborhoods, has six waterslides, a surfing area, a rock-climbing wall facing the ocean, and a mini-golf course.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2024

With eight different “neighborhoods” — including “ Thrill Island” and “the Hideaway” — the cruise line says it will offer guests “everything they have ever loved about every vacation — all rolled into one.”

From New York Times • Dec. 13, 2023

The Thrill of the Hunt Entertainment co-owner said he was “portrayed as the most despicable character ever” after appearing to kick miners off the claim in an infamous scene of the show.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2023

The park went quiet and dark again, except for the gentle trickle of water into the Thrill Ride of Love’s exit pool.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

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