exhilaration

noun

ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzi-lə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action of exhilarating

2

: the feeling or the state of being exhilarated

Synonyms

• bang
• boot
• charge
• frisson
• jollies
• kick
• rush
• thrill
• titillation
• wallop

Examples of exhilaration in a Sentence

I felt a kind of exhilaration when I reached the top of the mountain.

the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another

Recent Examples on the Web

The best art books lend themselves to exploration, exhilaration, and contemplation. —Heller McAlpin, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2024

My sense of relief when the President stepped aside, on July 21st, became exhilaration when Harris sprinted out of the gate the following day and assumed the Democratic mantle. —Julia Preston, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2024

Broadcast News captures the immense pressures of a newsroom but also the exhilaration of pulling off a great show. —Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024

But as in all powerful experiences, a feeling of exhilaration remains. —Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exhilaration

noun

ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzil-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action of exhilarating

2

: the state or the feeling of being exhilarated : high spirits