exhilarate

[ ig-zil-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·hil·a·rat·ed, ex·hil·a·rat·ing.

1. to enliven; invigorate; stimulate:

   The cold weather exhilarated the walkers.

   Synonyms: elate, inspirit, animate

   Antonyms: depress

2. to make cheerful or merry.

   Synonyms: gladden, cheer

   Antonyms: depress

exhilarate

/ ɪɡˈzɪləˌreɪt /

verb

1. tr to make lively and cheerful; gladden; elate

Derived Forms

• exˈhilarative, adjective
• exˌhilaˈration, noun

Other Words From

• ex·hila·rating·ly adverb
• ex·hila·rator noun
• unex·hila·rated adjective
• unex·hila·rating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exhilarate¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin exhilarātus, past participle of exhilarāre “to gladden,” equivalent to ex- “from, out of, beyond” + hilarāre “to cheer” ( hilarity ); ex- ¹, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of exhilarate¹

C16: from Latin exhilarāre, from hilarāre to cheer; see hilarious

Example Sentences

One twitcher who made an early morning journey from London described catching a glimpse of the creature as "exhilarating".

From BBC

“Tell me when you’ve seen me take even a little bit of a rest, not only am I not– I'm not even tired. I'm really exhilarated,” Trump said on Friday.

From Salon

Lubezki’s risky move paid off because the end result was exhilarating.

From Los Angeles Times

Documentary “Midnight Family” follows a private ambulance service on an exhilarating rise through the streets of Mexico City.

From Los Angeles Times

But after attending classes, Ruble discovered ballet filled her with joy, freedom and exhilarating delight.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• animate
• elate
• exalt
• excite
• thrill
• uplift