thrill
UK: θrɪl | US: θrɪl
n. a sudden feeling of excitement or pleasure
vt. to cause someone to feel a sudden intense emotion
vi. to experience a wave of excitement
thrill = thr<to pierce> + ill<related to movement>
- thr (from Old English þyrlian, meaning "to pierce") → evolved to imply sharp, intense sensations.
- ill (from Germanic roots, suggesting movement or action) → later associated with vibrating or quivering feelings.
Etymology Origin:
The word "thrill" originally meant "to pierce" in Old English (þyrlian), reflecting physical penetration. Over time, it metaphorically shifted to describe the "piercing" sensation of intense excitement or emotion, akin to a physical shudder. By the 16th century, it gained its modern sense of exhilaration, retaining the core idea of sudden, sharp intensity.
The roller coaster gave her a thrill of adrenaline.
His voice thrilled the audience with its power.
She thrilled at the thought of traveling alone.
The spy movie was full of thrilling moments.
A cold wind thrilled through the trees.