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, 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” ( thirl )

Example Sentences

"Tonight will be the 10th time and yeah I'm just really thrilled with it, hope the viewers like it, and I'm excited to see what the reaction is."

From BBC

After two disastrous years with the Jets, Aaron Rodgers is back in the playoffs after a thrilling 26-24 win over Baltimore on Sunday night.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was fitting that one of the most unpredictable NFL seasons in years went down to the final play of the final game to complete the play-off line-up in thrilling fashion.

From BBC

Spurs were functional rather than thrilling as they held sway in the first half, their superiority rewarded by Ben Davies' eighth goal in 244 Premier League appearances for the club.

From BBC

Yet many were thrilled with the prospect of wider American intervention.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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