exhilaration
UK: ɪɡˌzɪləˈreɪʃən | US: ɪɡˌzɪləˈreɪʃən
n. a feeling of excitement, happiness, or elation
n. the state of being stimulated or invigorated
exhilaration = ex<out> + hilar<cheerful> + ation<noun suffix>
- ex (Latin: "out")
- hilar (Latin: "cheerful," from hilaris)
- ation (noun-forming suffix indicating a state or action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "exhilaration" traces back to Latin exhilarare ("to cheer up"), combining ex- (intensifying "out") and hilaris ("cheerful"). It entered English via Late Latin and Old French, retaining its core sense of joyful excitement. The suffix -ation solidifies it as a noun describing the state of being uplifted or invigorated.
The news of her promotion filled her with exhilaration.
Skydiving offers a unique sense of exhilaration.
His speech sparked exhilaration among the crowd.
The mountain air brought a sudden exhilaration.
She felt pure exhilaration after finishing the marathon.