English · Word Candidate

thrill

/θɹɪl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: thrills · thrilling

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To suddenly excite someone, or to give someone great pleasure; to (figuratively) electrify; to experience such a sensation.

Verb

Examples

The cruel word her tender heart so thrilled, That sudden cold did run through every vein.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To (cause something to) tremble or quiver.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A trembling or quivering, especially one caused by emotion; a frisson.

Noun

Examples

She mixed furniture with the same fatal profligacy as she mixed drinks, and this outrageous contact between things which were intended by Nature to be kept poles apart gave her an inexpressible thrill.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A cause of sudden excitement; a kick.

Noun

Examples

The thrill is gone / Gone, gone for me / I still live on, lonely though I'll be

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “thrill” mean?

To suddenly excite someone, or to give someone great pleasure; to (figuratively) electrify; to experience such a sensation.

Is “thrill” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.