Thriller: meaning, definitions and examples

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thriller

 

[หˆฮธrษชlษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

movie genre

A thriller is a genre of fiction that is intended to evoke excitement, tension, and suspense in the audience. Thrillers typically feature fast-paced plots, high stakes, and unexpected twists and turns.

Synonyms

drama, excitement, suspense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thriller

Use 'thriller' when referring to a genre of book or movie that is meant to excite, intrigue, and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Thrillers often involve crime, danger, and mystery.

  • I couldn't put down that thriller; it was so gripping!
  • The new thriller movie kept me guessing until the very end.
suspense

Use 'suspense' to describe a feeling of anticipation or worry about what will happen next, commonly found in stories or situations that create tension and uncertainty.

  • The suspense in the final moments of the game was almost unbearable.
  • Her novel is full of suspense; it kept me on the edge of my seat.
excitement

Use 'excitement' when referring to a feeling of enthusiasm, eagerness, or intense interest. It is often used to describe someone's personal emotions about an upcoming event or experience.

  • The excitement in the room was palpable as we waited for the results.
  • Kids feel a lot of excitement before their birthday parties.
drama

Use 'drama' when talking about a genre focused on serious, emotional, or conflict-filled narratives. This word can also describe real-life situations that involve emotional or intense interactions.

  • She enjoys watching drama series because of the complex characters.
  • There was a lot of drama at work today because of the unexpected changes.

Examples of usage

  • The new thriller movie kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
  • She enjoys reading thrillers because they always keep her guessing.
Context #2 | Noun

book genre

In literature, a thriller is a genre that focuses on creating intense emotions such as excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and fear in the reader. Thriller novels often involve crime, mystery, and suspense.

Synonyms

crime thriller, mystery book, suspenseful novel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thriller

Use when talking about a general, exciting and fast-paced book or movie that creates a lot of tension and excitement.

  • 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is a great thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat
  • 'Jurassic Park' is an action-packed thriller
suspenseful novel

Used when highlighting a book that builds up a lot of suspense, making readers anxious about what will happen next.

  • 'The Silence of the Lambs' is a suspenseful novel that keeps readers hooked from start to finish
  • 'Gone Girl' is not just a thriller, but also a deeply suspenseful novel
mystery book

Ideal for discussions around books that revolve around solving a mystery, often featuring a detective or an amateur sleuth.

  • 'Sherlock Holmes' stories are some of the most famous mystery books ever written
  • 'The Da Vinci Code' is a popular mystery book that captivates readers
crime thriller

Best used when referring to a book, movie, or TV show that involves crimes, often centered around detectives, criminals, law enforcement, and a lot of suspense.

  • 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is an amazing crime thriller with many twists
  • 'Se7en' is a classic crime thriller movie

Examples of usage

  • She couldn't put down the thriller novel because she was eager to find out how it ended.
  • The author is known for writing gripping thrillers that captivate the reader from the first page.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'thriller' originated in the 19th century, where it described works meant to thrill and excite readers.
  • It combines elements of suspense and horror, making the audience feel anxious yet captivated.
  • The word became popular in the film industry during the 1970s, particularly with the rise of psychological suspense films.

Pop Culture

  • One of the most famous thrillers is 'Psycho' directed by Alfred Hitchcock, which changed how suspenseful stories were told in cinema.
  • The popularity of thriller novels skyrocketed in the late 20th century with authors like Stephen King and John Grisham leading the genre.
  • 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson is one of the best-selling albums of all time and features music videos that are cinematic experiences of their own.

Literature

  • Many thrillers draw on real-life events, weaving fact and fiction to create compelling narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
  • The genre often includes a detective or investigator, adding layers of complexity as they uncover secrets and solve intense mysteries.
  • Psychological thrillers delve into the human mind, making readers question the motives and thoughts of characters.

Psychology

  • Thrillers can induce a rush of adrenaline, engaging the body's fight or flight response, creating a thrilling experience.
  • They allow audiences to confront fears in a safe environment, exploring darker themes without real-world consequences.
  • Many people enjoy thrillers due to their ability to engage the brain, fostering problem-solving skills as viewers try to predict outcomes.

Film Techniques

  • Cinematography in thrillers often utilizes shadows and close-ups to create tension, making audiences feel more connected to the suspense.
  • Sound design plays a crucial role, with sudden noises heightening the emotional response and hunting for scares.
  • Editing techniques, like rapid cuts and cliffhanger endings, keep viewers on edge, making it difficult to look away.

Translations

Translations of the word "thriller" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น thriller

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฅเฅเคฐเคฟเคฒเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Thriller

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ thriller

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ั€ะธะปะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ thriller

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚นใƒชใƒฉใƒผ (Surirฤ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท thriller

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ thriller

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gerilim

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Šค๋ฆด๋Ÿฌ (Seurilleo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅุซุงุฑุฉ (Ithara)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ thriller

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ thriller

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆƒŠๆ‚š็‰‡ (Jฤซngsว’ng piร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ triler

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ spennusaga

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะพั€า›ั‹ะฝั‹ัˆั‚ั‹ ั„ะธะปัŒะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒ แƒ˜แƒšแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜ (Trileri)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ triller

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ thriller

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,777, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.