exaltation

noun

ex·​al·​ta·​tion ˌeg-ˌzȯl-ˈtā-shən 

ˌek-ˌsȯl-

1

: an act of exalting : the state of being exalted

2

: an excessively intensified sense of well-being, power, or importance

3

: an increase in degree or intensity

exaltation of virulence of a virus

Examples of exaltation in a Sentence

feelings of joy and exaltation

Recent Examples on the Web

By that time, Taylor had experienced and endured, in a few whirlwind years, a lifetime of joy and heartbreak, exaltation and calamity. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 31 July 2024

This impersonal exaltation of heroic exploits leaves an unexplored dilemma at the foundation of the film. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 19 July 2024

As fans raised their arms in exaltation, the Hollywood actors' crumpled under the emotion. —Jennifer McClellan, USA TODAY, 25 Apr. 2024

The new government will attempt to enshrine Karimov’s legacy for some time, but the cult of the dead leader will eventually be replaced by exaltations of his successor. —Erica Marat, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exaltation

noun

ex·​al·​ta·​tion ˌeg-ˌzȯl-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of exalting : the state of being exalted

2

: a greatly heightened sense of personal well-being, power, or importance

Medical Definition

exaltation

noun

ex·​al·​ta·​tion ˌeg-ˌzȯl-ˈtā-shən  ˌek-ˌsȯl- 

1

a

: marked or excessive intensification of a mental state or of the activity of a bodily part or function

b

: an abnormal sense of personal well-being, power, or importance : a delusional euphoria

2

: an increase in degree or intensity

exaltation of virulence of a virus