thrill (thrĭl)

v., thrilled, thrill·ing, thrills.

v.tr.

1. To cause to feel a sudden intense sensation; excite greatly.
2. To give great pleasure to; delight. See synonyms at enrapture.
3. To cause to quiver, tremble, or vibrate.

v.intr.

1. To feel a sudden quiver of excitement or emotion.
2. To quiver, tremble, or vibrate.

n.

1. A quivering or trembling caused by sudden excitement or emotion.
2. A source or cause of excitement or emotion.
3. Pathology. A slight palpable vibration that often accompanies certain cardiac and circulatory abnormalities.

[Middle English thrillen, alteration of thirlen, to pierce, from Old English thȳrlian, from thȳrel, hole.]

thrillingly thrill'ing·ly adv.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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