exhilarate

verb

ex·​hil·​a·​rate ig-ˈzi-lə-ˌrāt 

exhilarated; exhilarating

transitive verb

: to make (someone) very happy and excited or elated

was exhilarated by her success

It's a demanding dining experience that may exhaust and exasperate some customers, but exhilarate those who desire a challenge more than comfort.

—Thomas Matthews

Uncle George tells stories … and exhilarates everybody with his good humour and hospitality.

—Charles Dickens

When antislavery senator Charles Sumner was honored in a demonstration that exhilarated antebellum Boston, Louisa was there …

—Madeleine B. Stern

exhilarative

ig-ˈzi-lə-ˌrā-tiv 

adjective

Did you know?

Many people find exhilarate a difficult word to spell. It's easy to forget that silent "h" in there, and is it an "er" or "ar" after the "l"? It may be easier to remember the spelling if you know that exhilarate ultimately derives from the Latin adjective hilarus, meaning "cheerful." (This also explains why the earliest meaning of exhilarate is "to make cheerful.") Exhilarate comes from exhilaratus, the past participle of exhilarare, which is formed by combining ex- and hilarare, a verb that derives from hilarus and means "to cheer or gladden." If hilarus looks familiar, that may be because it's also the source of hilarious and hilarity (as well as hilariously and hilariousness, of course).

Synonyms

• charge
• electrify
• excite
• galvanize
• intoxicate
• pump up
• thrill
• titillate
• turn on

Examples of exhilarate in a Sentence

the exhilarating feeling of flying that hang gliding offers

the climactic moment of commencement ceremonies usually exhilarates graduates and proud parents alike

Recent Examples on the Web

The mountaintop getaway offers access to 15 exhilarating slopes in Kartalkaya, alongside 142 guest rooms and suites with a view. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2024

Yet the exhilarating track with its chunky synth bass, electro beats, and self-flagellating lyrics encourages you to dance the pain away. —Shannon Carlin, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024

This exhilarating hodgepodge of an album combines studio and concert recordings with guest stars like Manu Dibango and keyboardist Jan Hammer. —Ernesto Lechner, SPIN, 16 Apr. 2024

There was even a hint of energy that was exhilarating too. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 11 Apr. 2024

So buckle up because with Guillermo Cornejo at the helm, the journey is bound to be exhilarating. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

Embarking on the adventure of finding a second home can be exhilarating. —Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

With Rear Window, Hitchcock and his collaborators miraculously craft an exhilarating, satisfying mystery-thriller while confining the protagonist to a single location. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2024

Over the decades, he’s maintained the same steady demeanor through exhilarating highs and harrowing lows. —Michal Lev-Ram, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

exhilarate

verb

ex·​hil·​a·​rate ig-ˈzil-ə-ˌrāt 

exhilarated; exhilarating

: to cause to feel cheerful or lively : put into high spirits

the fresh air exhilarated us

exhilarative

-ˌrāt-iv 

adjective