giddiness

[ gid-ee-nis ]

noun

1. unrestrained high spirits:

   In a moment of uncharacteristic giddiness, the groom spun his bride around in joyous circles.

2. dizziness or lightheadedness; vertigo:

   Besides general effects such as nausea, giddiness, or an inability to focus, the excessive vibration of industrial tools can also damage nerves and blood vessels.

3. frivolous lightheartedness; silliness or lack of seriousness:

   I'm not prone to escapism, giddiness, or saccharine sentimentality.

Word History and Origins

Origin of giddiness¹

giddy ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

The pair are sitting side by side in the Corinthia Hotel the day after the show’s London premiere, and their giddiness about the series is palpable.

From Los Angeles Times

The real magic, however, is the giddiness sparkling around Terence Mann who starts as a lost soul and ends the film believing in magic again, simply by touching the edge of a cornfield.

From Salon

The hours before had been a mix of tension and giddiness.

From Los Angeles Times

All this allowed the show to deliver better entertainment while leaving room for thoughtfulness and giddiness, and both together.

From New York Times

There was soul-searching, recrimination and fear, but there was also an adrenaline-fueled giddiness that so often occurs in the aftermath, the dark-humored, nihilistic and occasionally ecstatic acknowledgment of survival.

From Los Angeles Times