Exhilarating

Exhilarating is an adjective used to describe experiences, events, or sensations that provoke intense feelings of excitement, happiness, or invigoration. Something exhilarating tends to lift mood and energize the person experiencing it. The word derives from the verb exhilarate, which in turn comes from Latin exhilarare, formed from ex- "out of" or "up" and hilaris "cheerful" or "merry", literally meaning to make cheerful or to brighten.

Exhilarating experiences are often associated with high arousal and a sense of vivid immediacy. They are commonly used to describe physical thrills, such as extreme sports or fast rides, as well as dramatic performances or moments of personal achievement. In travel, an exhilarating landscape can feel newly captivating and uplifting.

Usage notes: exhilarated is the related past participle; exhilaration is the noun for the corresponding feeling. While exhilarating often implies a strong positive response, it can also include adrenaline-fueled intensity that is not inherently dangerous. It is typically more intense and personal than merely "exciting."

Related terms include thrilling, electrifying, invigorating, and uplifting. In style guides, commentators may use it to convey memorable impact without implying risk or fear.