Main Entry: ex·hil·a·rate

Pronunciation: \ig-ˈzi-lə-ˌrāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ex·hil·a·rat·ed; ex·hil·a·rat·ing

Etymology: Latin exhilaratus, past participle of exhilarare, from ex- + hilarare to gladden, from hilarus cheerful — more at hilarious

Date: 1540

1 : to make cheerful and excited : enliven, elate <was exhilarated by her success>
2 : refresh, stimulate

— ex·hil·a·rat·ing·ly \ig-ˈzi-lə-ˌrā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

— ex·hil·a·ra·tive \-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective