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Definition of exhilarate

exhilarate

/ɪɡˈzɪl.ə.reɪt/
ex · hil · a · rate
Adverb:exhilaratingly
•
Adjective:exhilarating
•
Past Simple:exhilarated
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Past Participle:exhilarated
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Present Participle:exhilarating
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exhilarate Lexical Profile

exhilarate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make someone feel very happy, animated, or elated; to fill with lively excitement and vigor.

Example

"The crisp mountain air and panoramic views never failed to exhilarate the hikers as they reached the summit."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

exhibitionism
exhibitionist
exhibitor
exhilarate
exhilarated
exhilarating
exhilaratingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin exhilaratus, the past participle of exhilarare ('to gladden or make merry'), formed from ex- ('thoroughly') and hilaris ('cheerful'), which comes from Ancient Greek hilaros and shares its root with 'hilarious'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Exhilarate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/exhilarate
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