exhilarate
Definitions
To make someone feel very happy, excited, and full of energy
使兴奋，使振奋，使充满活力
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedex- (thoroughly) + hilar (cheerful) + -ate (to make) = "to make thoroughly cheerful." Over time the sense moved from cheer toward thrill: to exhilarate is to fill someone with an energizing rush of excitement.
Root hilar still carries 5 more wordsWhy It Means This
Exhilarate started life meaning "to make cheerful" (ex- + hilaris), but English nudged it away from plain happiness toward a physical, adrenaline-like thrill. That's why we say a roller coaster is exhilarating, not hilarious — it doesn't make you laugh, it makes your heart pound with joyful excitement.
Common Collocations
- 1.feel exhilarated感到振奋
- 2.exhilarating experience令人兴奋的经历
- 3.exhilarating ride刺激的旅程
- 4.deeply exhilarating极度令人振奋的
Example Sentences
- 1.
The fast descent down the mountain exhilarated the whole group.
- 2.
Nothing exhilarates her more than standing on a stage.
- 3.
The crowd was exhilarated by the team's last-minute goal.