exhilaration

[ ig-zil-uh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. exhilarated condition or feeling.

   Synonyms: joyousness, hilarity, jollity, animation

2. the act of exhilarating.

Word History and Origins

Origin of exhilaration¹

First recorded in 1615–25, exhilaration is from the Late Latin word exhilarātiōn- (stem of exhilarātiō ). See exhilarate, -ion

Example Sentences

After the sugar-high of the Biden-to-Harris switch and the exhilaration of the Democratic convention, this is a difficult future to face.

From Salon

“Anora” gets off on the hormonal rush of their fling, and for a good part of the movie’s 139-minute running time, Baker delights in the exhilaration of their unhinged melody.

From Los Angeles Times

In a town less accepting than many, she had stood with those at the edges and found, for a moment, while her husband clapped, couples danced and a disco ball glittered, righteous exhilaration in a billiard hall.

From Los Angeles Times

When the national result - 55.3% for No, 44.7% for Yes - was confirmed, Cat describes a scene of "exhilaration" at the Edinburgh count.

From BBC

Thematically, these albums especially feel timeless, covering the ups and downs of adulthood: ennui and uncertainty, deep longing and the exhilaration of being young.

From Salon

Related Words

• elation
• euphoria
• high spirits
• hilarity
• joy