exhilarate
ig-ZIL-uh-rayt
/ɪɡˈzɪləreɪt/
Make someone feel remarkably happy, animated, or elated; energize.
Implies a sudden surge of physical or mental vigor, often tied to speed, thrill, or crisp air.
The story behind the word. Exhilarate comes from Latin 'exhilarare', formed from 'ex-' (thoroughly) and 'hilaris' (cheerful). The Latin 'hilaris' also gave us our English word 'hilarious'. To exhilarate someone literally meant to make them thoroughly joyful.
Word relationships
- invigorate: Invigorate stresses giving physical strength and health, while exhilarate stresses joyful excitement.
- thrill: Thrill focuses on sudden physical sharp excitement, while exhilarate carries a broader sense of refreshing cheer.
- depress: Depress means to lower spirits or cause sadness.
- weary: Weary means to tire out mentally or physically.
Commonly confused with
- accelerate: Accelerate means to speed up, whereas exhilarate means to thrill and invigorate.
Word family
- exhilaration (noun): A feeling of excitement, happiness, or elation.
- exhilarating (adjective): Making one feel happy, animated, or elated; thrilling.
Collocations
- exhilarate the senses
- exhilarate the mind
- deeply exhilarate
- thrill and exhilarate
Idioms & expressions
- get a kick out of
- pump adrenaline
Example sentences
- "The crisp mountain breeze and rapid descent down the ski slope served to exhilarate the entire group." Physical adventure
- "Winning the competitive bid exhilirated the young entrepreneurs." Professional success
Memory hook
EXHILARATE connects to HILARIOUS—it makes your spirits soar with high-octane joy. Adrenaline rush of joy.
When not to use
Avoid when describing peaceful, quiet relaxation.
Fun facts
- Ancient Roman physicians prescribed 'exhilarating' herbs to cure dark bile and melancholy.
Explore more words
exhilarating, invigorate, exult, ecstatic, euphoric, effervescent
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