Exhilarate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exhilarate

[ษชษกหˆzษชlษ™reษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

feeling

To make someone feel very happy and excited.

Synonyms

excite, stimulate, thrill.

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Word Description / Examples
exhilarate

Typically used in situations where there is a feeling of joy or elation caused by an event or activity.

  • The rollercoaster ride exhilarated the children
  • The news of her promotion exhilarated her
thrill

Used to describe a strong feeling of excitement or pleasure, usually with an element of surprise or suspense.

  • The surprise party thrilled him
  • Seeing his favorite band live was a thrilling experience
excite

Commonly used when something causes feelings of enthusiasm, eagerness, or interest. It can be used in both positive and negative senses.

  • The new project excites me
  • The loud noises excited the dog, making it bark constantly
stimulate

Often used in a more intellectual or physical sense, referring to something that enhances or activates thoughts, feelings, or bodily functions.

  • The discussion stimulated Sarah's interest in the subject
  • Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system

Examples of usage

  • He was exhilarated by the news of his promotion.
  • The fresh air and exercise exhilarated her.
Context #2 | Verb

refreshing

To invigorate and enliven someone.

Synonyms

energize, rejuvenate, revitalize.

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Word Description / Examples
exhilarate

To make someone feel very happy and excited.

  • The roller coaster ride exhilarated everyone on board
  • Winning the match exhilarated the entire team
revitalize

To give new life, energy, or vitality, often used in the context of giving new strength to something that has become weak or ineffective.

  • The new management plans to revitalize the declining company
  • A fresh coat of paint can revitalize an old room
energize

To give someone energy or to make them feel more active and lively.

  • The motivational speech energized the audience
  • A good night's sleep really energized me for the day ahead
rejuvenate

To make someone feel youthful, refreshed, and revitalized.

  • A weekend at the spa rejuvenated her after a stressful week
  • Taking a short vacation helped rejuvenate his mind and body

Examples of usage

  • The cool breeze exhilarated us after the long hike.
  • The music exhilarated the crowd at the concert.
Context #3 | Verb

stimulating

To make someone feel more energetic and lively.

Synonyms

animate, galvanize, inspire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exhilarate

This word is best used when you want to emphasize making someone feel very happy, excited, or thrilled.

  • The breathtaking view from the mountain exhilarated her.
  • The roller coaster ride exhilarated the children.
animate

This word is typically used when you want to bring something to life or make someone more lively, energetic, or enthusiastic.

  • The teacher's stories animated the students.
  • His passion for the subject animated the entire class.
inspire

This word is appropriate when you want to encourage someone or give them the motivation to do something, often related to creativity or positive actions.

  • Her dedication to the cause inspired many people.
  • The artist's work inspired him to start painting.
galvanize

Use this word when you want to describe provoking someone to take action, often in a strong or sudden way. It can have a slightly urgent or forceful connotation.

  • The speech galvanized the crowd into action.
  • The disaster galvanized the community to work together.

Examples of usage

  • The lively debate exhilarated the audience.
  • The new project exhilarated the team.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, moments of exhilaration often symbolize characters experiencing breakthroughs or transformations.
  • Famous works like 'The Great Gatsby' depict exhilaration as a key element in the pursuit of happiness and dreams.
  • Poets frequently capture exhilaration in nature, using vivid imagery to evoke strong emotional responses.

Psychology

  • Experiencing exhilaration releases endorphins, which are hormones that promote feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
  • Engaging in activities that promote exhilaration can improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Psychologists suggest that creating exhilarating moments can enhance creativity and improve problem-solving skills.

Pop Culture

  • Exhilaration is a common theme in action movies where characters face thrilling challenges that lead to intense emotional highs.
  • Music often evokes exhilaration, with upbeat songs creating energetic atmospheres during concerts and parties.
  • Social media platforms show videos where people capture exhilarating moments, making others feel the same excitement.

Science

  • Studies show that thrilling activities, like skydiving or amusement rides, can lead to exhilarating experiences that enhance personal growth.
  • Research indicates that adrenaline, released during exhilarating experiences, can heighten senses and perception.
  • In biology, exhilaration is linked to the 'fight or flight' response, where the body prepares to take action in exciting situations.

Origin of 'exhilarate'

Main points about word origin

  • This word comes from the Latin 'exhilarare', which means 'to cheer up' or 'to make merry'.
  • The prefix 'ex-' suggests 'out' or 'from', while 'hilare' relates to being cheerful.
  • It has been used in English since the early 17th century, connecting the feeling of joy across centuries.

The word 'exhilarate' originated in the early 16th century from the Latin word 'exhilarare', which means 'make cheerful'. It has been used in English to describe the act of making someone feel happy, excited, and invigorated.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,917, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.