Feeling intensely happy, excited, and energized, as if lifted up by joy. Describes a state of high positive arousal that combines happiness with physical and mental stimulation.
From Latin 'exhilaratus' (made cheerful), from 'ex-' (thoroughly) and 'hilaris' (cheerful). The word originally meant to make merry or cheerful, evolving to describe the peak emotional state of joy combined with energy.
Exhilaration triggers the same neurochemical cocktail as falling in love - dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins flood our system, creating a natural high that can be as addictive as any drug and explains why we chase thrilling experiences!
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