thrill

[ thril ]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to feel or cause to feel a thrill
2. to tremble or cause to tremble; vibrate or quiver

Other Words From

• sub·thrill noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrill¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English thrillen originally, “to penetrate,” metathetic variant of thirlen “to pierce; thrill” ( thirl )

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrill¹

Old English thӯrlian to pierce, from thyrel hole; see nostril , through

Example Sentences

“Getting Tammy Faye up on Broadway has been one of the most thrilling experiences of my life,” Shears wrote on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

Zeldovich has spun a thrilling tale, but one hopes it’s just the beginning and middle of the story, with the climax of phage-fueled medicine yet to come.

From Salon

Djokovic, meanwhile, was among those to leave a video message for Nadal, saying: "I have been very honoured and thrilled to be called your rival".

From BBC

The emergence of Ben Doak, therefore, has been a thrilling step in the right direction.

From BBC

"We’re thrilled they will journey down the yellow brick road, to the auction block and to a new home."

From BBC

Related Words

• adventure
• fun
• inspiration
• pleasure
• wallop